Clean Energy Technologies for a Rapidly Developing World

The world’s population is expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, 30% higher than current estimates. Most of the growth is expected to occur in emerging and developing countries, where energy access remains a daunting challenge. While the number of people gaining access to electricity has increased in recent years, there are still about 3 billion people that are without electricity and using polluting energy sources for cooking. To ensure equitable access and reduce global emissions from energy generation, there is a need to accelerate the development of clean energy technologies and transition to cleaner fuels. This project will explore conceptual, theoretical, and experimental approaches in biomass utilisation and thermochemical conversion (e.g. gasification, combustion, pyrolysis or hybrid approaches) in the development of innovative clean energy solutions and/or processes that can leapfrog energy-deficient, fossil-based countries to a clean, zero-carbon economy. This relies on integrated energy processes for multi-generation of beneficial outputs, whose end products have environmental value and circular economy approaches for resource recovery. A parametric techno-economic and environmental assessment will be carried out to assess the feasibility of the technology. Project outcomes are expected to contribute to improving energy security, reducing the dependency on fossil fuels, diversifying fuel supply, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This can have a considerable impact on health, well-being, the livelihood of people, particularly rural households.

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.

Information about the host department can be found by visiting:

www.strath.ac.uk/engineering/chemicalprocessengineering

www.strath.ac.uk/courses/research/chemicalprocessengineering/