World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (WED) is celebrated annually on 4 March as an official UNESCO International Day, proclaimed in 2019 following a proposal by the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO). The theme for WED 2025, Shaping Our Sustainable Future Through Engineering, highlights the critical role that engineering plays in achieving each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In recognition of WED 2025, this article highlights research activities under the SARChI Chair in Green Hydrogen Integration and Transition in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch University (SU). This research directly supports SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, which aims to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. By leveraging biogas and methane pyrolysis, researchers are developing cost-effective, decentralized energy solutions that contribute to both carbon reduction and energy security. Expanding alternative hydrogen production pathways is essential for achieving a just and inclusive energy transition, particularly in regions where energy access remains a challenge.
Advancing decarbonised hydrogen for the energy transition
The transition to clean energy requires innovative and cost-effective hydrogen production technologies to support a sustainable energy future and reduce carbon emissions. While water electrolysis remains a key pathway for green hydrogen production, its high energy costs drive the need for alternative methods. Research under the SARChI Chair in Green Hydrogen Integration and Transition explores methane pyrolysis, an adaptive technology that produces low-carbon hydrogen using biogas while minimizing CO₂ emissions. This research is in collaboration with the bioprocessing, waste management and climate change research groups at SU and in partnership with the CSIR and Osaka University.
Decarbonisation and South Africa’s energy transition
South Africa has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with its Just Energy Transition strategy. The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2019) and the Hydrogen Society Roadmap (HSRM) highlight the need for alternative, sustainable fuels to replace fossil-based energy sources. Decarbonizing the energy sector is essential for reducing reliance on coal, which continues to dominate electricity generation, and for ensuring a resilient and sustainable energy future.
The role of biogas and waste-to-energy in decentralised systems
Biogas offers a promising solution for decentralised energy production, particularly in rural and off-grid communities. It is derived from organic waste, including agricultural residues, food waste, sewage sludge and landfill gas. This sustainable methane source supports energy generation while also contributing to waste management, circular economy principles, and local economic development. By converting waste into energy, biogas production helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating clean energy solutions.
Potential methane/biomethane sources in South Africa
South Africa has a significant potential to produce methane and biomethane from various waste streams, including landfills and wastewater treatment plants, agricultural waste and food processing industries, sugarcane processing, forestry, and pulp industries. By utilizing these sources, South Africa can reduce methane emissions – a potent greenhouse gas – while simultaneously producing clean energy that can be used for both grid-connected and off-grid applications.
Upcoming presentation on thermal plasma hydrogen production
As part of ongoing knowledge exchange, Prof. Laurent Fulcheri from Mines Paris will visit Stellenbosch University from 10-15 March 2025 to present his pioneering work on hydrogen production via pyrolysis of methane by thermal plasma. His insights will provide a deeper understanding of emerging hydrogen production technologies, including his involvement with MONOLITH, a commercial-scale hydrogen production facility in Nebraska utilizing thermal plasma methane pyrolysis.
On Friday, 14 March 2025, Prof. Fulcheri will deliver a guest lecture titled Pyrolysis of methane by thermal plasma: A 25-year journey and start of an industrial adventure at the Department of Chemical Engineering, from 13:00-14:00. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP at this link by Wednesday, 5 March 2025: https://forms.office.com/r/1GdWM8Er3X.
For further details or enquiries, please contact Prof. Prathieka Naidoo at prathiekan@sun.ac.za.
