personal · research · cv

Holkan Vazquez-Sanchez

PhD Candidate, Environmental Science & Engineering
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Holkan Vazquez-Sanchez
fig. 1
Abstract.

PhD candidate researching at the energy–environment nexus. I model the life-cycle impacts of energy storage technologies (batteries and hydrogen) and build open tools to make those assessments reproducible.

#life cycle assessment #techno-economic analysis #sustainability #energy storage technologies #flow batteries #e-hydrogen
download CV [pdf] email scholar orcid researchgate linkedin github

About

I am a PhD candidate in Environmental Science and Engineering at KAUST, advised by Dr. S. Mani Sarathy. My work sits at the nexus of energy systems and environmental impact.

Before KAUST I completed an MSc in Engineering Sciences at Tecnológico de Monterrey where my thesis quantified the impacts of geothermal power in Mexico. Aditionally I hold an MBA in sustainable development at Universidad del Valle de México. My undergraduate training is in Mechatronics Engineering.

I care about research that leaves behind auditable artifacts. I also have programmed some tools to support my work.

Publications

Peer-reviewed · As first author

Next Energy 2026

A techno-economic optimization of e-hydrogen production in Saudi Arabia

Vazquez-Sanchez, H., Echegoyen-Lopez, M., Nechache, A., Kyritsis, D.C., Kosco, J., Morales, G.M., & Sarathy, S. M.
[doi]
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 2025

A life cycle assessment of e-hydrogen production using proton-exchange membrane water electrolysis coupled with desalination in Saudi Arabia

Vazquez-Sanchez, H., Okeke, I. J., Singh, E., Baaqel, H., Saville, B. A., MacLean, H. L., & Sarathy, S. M.
[doi]
Applied Energy 2023

A techno-economic analysis of a thermally regenerative ammonia-based battery

Vazquez-Sanchez, H., Nagaraja, S. S., Cross, N. R., Hall, D. M., & Sarathy, S. M.
[doi]
Repositorio Tecnológico de Monterrey 2022

Life cycle assessment of a binary cycle geothermal power plant in Mexico

Vazquez-Sanchez, H. & Santoyo-Castelazo, E.
[doi]

Developed software

Open source tools ·

Windows Desktop Application v.1.0.0

e-Hydrogen Cost Optimizer

Python-based user-defined techno-economic optimization and life cycle assessment for e-hydrogen production
open e-h2.org

Recorded talks

Seminars · Conferences · Presentations

16:40
e-Hydrogen Cost Optimizer: A Tool for Techno-economic Optimization and Environmental Performance of Green Hydrogen Systems
Conference · Brightcon 2025 - Session T1 Open data and tools for energy · 2025
▸ play
21:20
A techno-economic analysis of a thermally regenerative ammonia-based battery
Seminar · Clean Combustion Research Center Seminar · 2023
▸ play

Awards & honors

2024
BESE Dean’s Travel Award, Spring 2024 (USD 5,000).
Recognized for academic excellence and research contributions through sponsored attendance at an international conference.
 Award
2023
Monaco Prize for Innovation in Transportation and Renewable Hydrogen (Finalist)
Recognized by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco
 Recognition
2018
Beca Nacional CONACYT posgrado (Maestría)
Apoyo para la formación en estudios de posgrado en el país de la comunidad académica y estudiantil.
 Grant
2018
Premio Ceneval al Desempeño de Excelencia EGEL
Undergraduate final exam
 Award
2014
Beca Líderes del Mañana
Tecnológico de Monterrey
 Grant