Waste to Energy

Platform Leader:

Dr Busiswa Ndaba-Vatsha

Our research focuses on developing technologies to convert biomass, waste and carbon dioxide to energy and other valuable products. We specialise in developing both thermochemical (such as gasification, pyrolysis and hydrothermal conversion) and biochemical (fermentation and anaerobic digestion) conversion processes for bioethanol, biobutanol and biogas production. We aim to develop technologies that are efficient and sustainable, suited for both the local and global context.  We also develop processes that incorporate other renewables (solar, wind). We focus on experimental work, techno-economic analysis, environmental performance modelling, and policy issues. Our team consists of inter-disciplinary and experienced researchers that have published extensively and have graduated various postgraduate students in the field.  

The sub-topics of the platform area are as follows:

• • Fermentation and anaerobic digestion
  • Biofuel chemicals
  • Biomass and/ waste valorization
  • Thermo-catalytic processes for Biofuel, additive and chemical production