Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) research solutions for a climate-neutral society. Scientists are developing and optimising efficient and cost-effective energy materials for solar cells, batteries and catalysts. Counting 1.200 employees, and operating the BESSY II synchrotron light source, HZB provides a cutting-edge research environment for more than 3.000 scientists every year and is one of Germany’s largest non-university research centres in the field of energy research. HZB is member of the Helmholtz Association.
The University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa’s oldest university, is a leading academic institution in Africa and beyond with faculties in Commerce, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science.
UCT’s involvement in GreenQUEST is characterized by a cross-disciplinary approach including cutting edge catalysis research, climate change research, modelling of energy systems and innovative business models.
The Catalysis Institute of the UCT is dedicated to developing novel materials towards a sustainable society. They focus on heterogeneous catalysts, as these play a crucial role in over 90% of global chemical processes. Their research activities cover all aspects of catalyst development, from synthesis and modification to testing and theoretical modelling. With strong international and industry collaborations, the centre leads South Africa’s research in the field. They drive innovation in fuel cell and electrolysis technology through strategic programs like DSI HySA.
Hydrogen Energy Applications (HYENA), a spin-off from the University of Cape Town’s Department of Chemical Engineering, specializes in hydrogen-powered electricity, particularly for small to medium-sized standalone systems. By utilizing local LPG as a hydrogen carrier, HYENA eliminates the need for a dedicated hydrogen distribution network.
HYENA aims to improve access to cleaner power by providing alternative hydrogen-based energy solutions in regions with limited energy infrastructure.
The African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) is a collaborative research and training initiative at the University of Cape Town. It aims to facilitate the transition of African societies to a sustainable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient future through research, education, and community engagement. By working alongside communities, the ACDI strives to ensure equitable and lasting solutions that address the complex challenges posed by climate change in Africa.
The Graduate School of Business (GSB) is part of the UCT’s Faculty of Commerce. By contributing to individual and organizational success through research-informed teaching and thought leadership, GSB strives to equip aspiring leaders with skills to drive change in Africa and beyond.
The research focuses on three thematic clusters: emerging markets finance, investment and trade, social innovation and sustainability, values-based leadership.
The Energy Systems Research Group (ESRG) at the University of Cape Town combines modelling of energy and economic systems with policy analysis and field-based research, to generate and enhance knowledge of energy systems at sectoral, regional, national and sub-continental scales, focused on South Africa and the SADC region.
The German research centre Forschungzentrum Jülich (FZJ) offers state-of-the-art scientific infrastructures and expertise in physics, materials science, nanotechnology, and information technology combined with future key technologies to develop new solutions in the fields of energy and environment, information, and brain research. The FZJ Institute of Climate and Energy Systems (ICE-2) contributes to GreenQUEST by modelling, designing, and simulating energy systems using supercomputing and innovative mathematical methods for holistic analysis.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) is a young institution, having emerged from the merger of the University of Port Elizabeth and the PE Technikon in 2005, which later became known as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Located in the Eastern Cape, a historically rural and under-developed region of South Africa, NMU aims to provide equitable and efficient higher education to meet the needs of the country, the continent, and the world.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a prominent scientific and technological research organization in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the country’s social and economic prosperity by researching, developing, localizing, and disseminating technologies. CSIR’s work significantly contributes to South Africa’s industrial advancement, efficient governance and sustainable future.
Sasol is a global chemicals and energy company that harness knowledge and expertise to integrate sophisticated technologies and processes into world-scale operating facilities. Sasol safely & sustainably source, produce and market a range of high-quality products in 22 countries, creating value for stakeholders.
Futuria Fuels was established by SHV Energy to promote sustainable molecules globally and provide off-grid customers with a viable, sustainable fuel. Futuria is collaborating on partnerships and investment opportunities that will lead directly to the defossilisation of LPG for customers and suppliers.