Innovations in the Global Biogas industry

Prof Matambo is the head of the Biotechnology/Biochemical Engineering research group in the Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability (IDEAS). He currently supervises two postdoctoral students, three PhD students and five masters’ students. Prof Matambo's role is to promote, develop and implement effective research activities within Unisa. Participate and promote research in community engagement and Flagship programmes. To lead strategic projects for MaPS, work closely with Director, relieve the Director of some duties to ensure the smooth running of the Unit. Head and supervise the Biotechnology research Group and post-graduates’ studies. Promote the research within the group locally and internationally at conferences and workshops. Promote collaboration between Unisa and other tertiary institutions. Market research conducted within Unisa. Manage projects and consult on projects between Unisa, industry and Government. This position is very detail-orientated, involves multiple concurrent daily deadlines and tasks, and requires ability to perform under pressure. Professor Riann Christian is an Associate Professor from University of South Africa. She has 18 years teaching and research experience in biological sciences, environmental biotechnology. She is currently teaching Molecular & Cell Biology and Genetics. Her expertise includes gene expression studies, genetics, insecticide resistance, malaria, medical entomology, molecular biology. She supervised 8 MSc and PhD students.

Section 1 Green advancements in organic waste management – AD Feedstock Management
1. Green techniques on sourcing and logistics of biogas substrates – eg GIS, trucks using clean fuels
2. Perspectives on the latest green approaches to biomass pretreatments for biogas production: What’s currently feasible and what’s not feasible – Chemical, Physical, Ultrasound, Microwave, Biological, etc.
3. The pros and cons of green versus competing biomass substrates selection and characterization technologies for biogas production

Section 2 Green developments in biogas process design, efficiency, optimization and operations
4. Strategies for managing microorganisms in biogas digesters with application of biomolecular tools
5. Comparative analysis of biogas production strategies from different feedstocks
6. Green approaches to solving foaming problems in digesters
7. Application of emerging separation sciences and unit operations in biogas processes and biogas upgrading – Nanotechnology, Membrane technology, adsorption, etc.
8. Equipment design and selection for biogas plant construction, process monitoring and control based on green principles

Section 3 Anaerobic digestion products utilization and integration – biogas, digestate, CO2
9. Reforming as a green technology for utilization of biogas
10. Sustainability evaluation of current biogas upgrading techniques
11. Green innovations for managing carbon dioxide generated in biogas digesters. – Consider Greenhouses, Algae growth, Biobased Adsorbents, Others
12. Green concepts and innovations in biogas digestate use as a biofertiliser application
13. Non conventional applications of biogas plant digestate.
14. Biogas digester integration with other technologies and green aspects of such processes. Consider solar, wetlands, biohydrogen, bioethanol, biodiesel, biobutanol

Section 4 The sustainability of biogas industry operations
15. The biogas industry’s greener strategies in promoting fulfilment of various SDGs – SHE, LCA, Techno-feasibility
16. The role of artificial intelligence in greening biogas operations
17. Carbon emission reduction assessment via biogas production and resource recovery: The IPCC methodology
18. The merits of applying green principles in handling potential biogas digestate hazardous chemicals and pathogenicity.
19. Safety and environmental perspectives for greening the biogas plant operations.

Section 5 Stakeholders in a greener anaerobic digestion industry
20. Financing mechanisms available to green biogas investments: An overview
21. A review of global treaties and agreements applicable to the greening of the anaerobic digestion industry
22. Stakeholders engagement and governance issues in applying green principles in the biogas sector