Sustainable energy research
relating to environmental sustainability
Research on renewable energy is often linked to sustainable waste solutions. At Rhodes University, projects in this field may be considered under various categories.
Biofuels and recycling
The Biochemistry division of the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology is conducting research on the production of bio-ethanol from plant material. This work is being conducted in collaboration with Makana Meadery, an associate institution of Rhodes University, has been pioneering the local production of bio-diesel which offers a realistic alternative to fossil fuels. Bio-diesel is purported to burn cleaner than regular diesel and petrol fuels, emitting 70% to 100% less carbon dioxide. The Makana Meadery bio-diesel operation is grounded in environmentally friendly ethics, using recycled cooking oil sourced from university dining halls and local restaurants to provide the fat for the production process. Their vision is to supply 10% of Grahamstown's fuel needs with bio-diesel by 2010, using a range of locally grown oil seed crops, sugar beet and algal oil. They already supply the fuel needs for all Rhodes University Grounds and Gardens large-ride-lawnmowers.
Explore research opportunities: Makana Meadery and Biochem Micro Biotech
Biogas and solid waste treatment
Energy generated from waste is more or less free! And Rhodes University's affiliated Institute for Environmental Biotechnology (EBRU), researchers plan to investigate this further. This provides an excellent opportunity for prospective Masters and PhD students who are interested in researching integrated biogas and algal systems, anaerobic fermentation processes, sustainable solid waste treatment, residential biogas systems, and zero waste.
Explore research opportunities: Institute for Environmental Biotechnology
Further info:
- The Integrated Biogas Agro-Ecological Farming Revolution by Mark Wells: PDF document
- Peoples Power Africa: http://www.peoplespowerafrica.co.za/
Go to the Rhodes University ENVIRONMENT front page. Suggestions/Questions? Contact environment(at)ru.ac.za
