Senior Researcher
CSIR
Innovative designs for gLFG storage
As part of the HySA&CCU team at CSIR, Ashton worked on composite cylinders for hydrogen storage for a while already. During this time, the team has developed competencies in design, development and modelling, or composite cylinders for hydrogen storage using additive manufacturing techniques.
Ashton’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Under the GreenQUEST project, the multi-disciplinary team is looking at various newer advanced manufacturing techniques to produce composite cylinders for gLFG storage. New manufacturing techniques will improve the weight factor of everyday steel cylinders, but still keeping cost of manufacturing at a minimum.
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Postgraduate Researcher
Catalysis Institute- UCT
Techno-economic systems analysis
Did an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at UCT
Bianca’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Working alongside Hilton Heydenrych in process development and optimization including a techno-economic analysis of the process
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Postgraduate Researcher
Catalysis Institute – UCT
Catalysis Development and Synthesis, gLFG synthesis
Candace’s expertise in GreenQUEST? I am developing a catalytic testing unit and procedure to explore optimal reaction conditions for the conversion of dimethyl ether to gLFG over a commercial catalyst to upscale and ready the gLFG synthesis process for industrial application.
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Scientific Researcher
Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB)
Catalysis Development and Synthesis, Advanced Catalyst Characterisation, Solar-driven electrolysis for CO2 reduction and H2 generation
I’m a postdoctoral researcher, working on the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol – an essential step in the production of green liquefied fuel gas (gLFG). Along with my colleagues, my day-to-day work involves designing and synthesising copper-based catalyst materials and investigating their structure, activity and efficiency.
Carsten’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Our work is at the heart of the project’s mission to produce gLFG by using solar energy to convert CO2 and H2O into first starting components. It’s a high-risk, high-gain challenge with the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption by enabling a selective, efficient processes on an industrial scale.
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Senior Scientist
HZB – Department of Interface Design
Advanced Catalyst Characterisation
Investigation of energy materials and devices with synchrotron techniques for energy conversion processes in (electro-) catalysis and fuel cells technologies.
Catalina’s expertise in GreenQUEST? In GreenQUEST, we combine ex-situ, in-situ and in-system X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopies and scattering techniques (XPS, HAXPES, XANES, EXAFS, XRD) in the Energy Materials In-situ Laboratory (EMIL) attached to the BESSY II synchrotron light source.
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MSc Student
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Catalysis Development and Synthesis, gLFG synthesis
Currently a Masters student enrolled at Nelson Mandela University undertaking research in catalytic chemistry.
Christian’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Key role is in the incorporation of nanopalladium into BEA zeolites as catalysts. The catalysts will then be utilized in the conversion and selectivity of Dimethyl ether into propane and butane.
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Department Head
Jülich Systems Analysis – FZJ
Techno-economic systems analysis, Environmental and Circularity Analysis, Socio-technical systems analysis, Project and Scientific Lead, Management and Coordination
Heidi leads the department „Resource Strategies“ within the Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2) at the Forschungszentrum Jülich. Her strong expertise in systems analysis gained over the past fifteen years covers the whole energy system with a current focus on material demands for the energy transition within her ERC Starting Grant MATERIALIZE.
Dr Heinrich’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Within GreenQUEST Dr. Heinrichs coordinates the techno-economic evaluation providing energy scenarios across different spatial scales to enable stakeholders to include gLFG in their decision making.
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Postdoctoral Researcher
Helmholtz Centrum Berlin (HZB)
Advanced Catalyst Characterisation
I am a Dr in Engineering and a Chemical Engineer by training, specialising in the design and advanced characterisation of materials for energy conversion. My expertise focuses on developing innovative materials to enhance efficiency and sustainability in energy technologies.
Dr. Ing. María del Rosario Suarez Anzorena’s expertise in GreenQUEST? I specialise in Advanced Catalyst Characterisation using synchrotron techniques, conducting operando and in-situ experiments. Additionally, I perform ex-situ XPS laboratory-based measurements, providing comprehensive analysis to optimise catalyst performance in energy conversion processes.
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Deputy Head: Energy
Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB)
Management and Coordination, Maximisation of project impacts, Communication and Dissemination Strategies
Lucero is the deputy head of the Energy and Information Department at HZB. With over a decade of experience, she is dedicated to developing strategies and implementing international research projects. Her current work focuses on renewable fuels, catalysis for green hydrogen production, and CO2 conversion – Power-to-X projects.
Lucero’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Lucero has extensive knowledge and expertise in managing international cooperation projects and collaborating with diverse stakeholders from academia, industry, and government. At GreenQUEST, she oversees project coordination and reporting, ensuring smooth execution and alignment with the project’s goals and milestones.
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Post-doctoral Researcher
Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB)
Environmental and Circularity Analysis
Drawing upon experience in the precious metals and copper industries in South Africa and Australia, Neill’s focus is on assessing the sustainability and circularity of photovoltaic, battery, and sustainable fuel life cycles. He is a qualified Chemical/Metallurgical Engineer with an MBA and a PhD in the field of sustainability and circular economy.
Dr Bartie’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Work package leader for the life cycle environmental impact and circularity assessment of the various gLFG supply chain scenarios.
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Head of Group
Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB)
Catalysis Development and Synthesis, Solar-driven electrolysis for CO2 reduction and H2 generation, Advanced Catalyst Characterisation
Prashanth W. Menezes is head of the materials chemistry for thin-film catalysis group at CatLab of the HZB and leads the inorganic materials group at TU Berlin. He received his Ph.D. from Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, from where he moved to TU München and then to TU Berlin to work on energy catalysis.
Prashanth’s expertise in GreenQUEST? His research focuses on the design, development, and structural understanding of novel catalysts in heterogeneous catalysis, especially in the area of redox oxygen catalysis, (photo)electrocatalytic water-splitting, CO2 reduction reaction as well as selective electrochemical redox reactions.
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Senior Research Officer
Catalysis Institute – UCT
Solar-driven electrolysis for CO2 reduction and H2 generation
Dr. Rhiyaad Mohamed leads electrolysis research at UCT, specialising in electrocatalysis for green hydrogen and Power-to-X. His expertise includes catalyst and electrolyser component design, materials engineering, and electrochemical characterisation, with a focus on technology commercialisation for electrolysis applications.
Dr Mohamed’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Dr. Rhiyaad Mohamed works on developing silver-based CO₂ reduction catalysts with high current density and efficiency, alongside catalyst-coated membranes for PEM water and CO₂ electrolysis. His focus is on advancing durable, high-performance materials for sustainable electrochemical conversion.
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Junior Research Fellow
Catalysis Institute – UCT
Catalysis Development and Synthesis, Advanced Catalyst Characterisation, gLFG synthesis
Dr Shaine Raseale has a BSc Hons degree in Chemistry (University of Limpopo, 2013), an MSc in Chemistry (Universität Leipzig – Germany, 2017) and a PhD in Chemical Engineering (UCT, 2022).
Dr Raseale’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Dr Shaine Raseale is highly involved in the design, synthesis, extensive characterization and catalytic performance evaluation in the GreenQUEST project. He also co-supervises MSc students involved in similar projects and is responsible for equipment maintenance as well as handling administrative obligations in the GreenQUEST project.
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Head: Energy and Information
Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB)
Project and Scientific Lead, Management and Coordination, Maximisation of project impacts, Exploitation and Innovation Strategies
Tobias leads the Strategy Department for Energy and Information at Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin and co-leads the GreenQUEST project. Over the past fifteen years, he has been dedicated to developing strategies to reshape the energy sector. At HZB, he drives research and technology development, focusing on solar energy and green H2-based technologies.
Tobias’ expertise in GreenQUEST? Tobias’ profound technological and systemic understanding of the energy sector is critical to successful strategy development. With broad experience working with stakeholders in academia, industry, and politics, he is passionate about fostering innovative international partnerships to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, carbon-free future.
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Lecturer and Researcher
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Project and Scientific Lead, gLFG synthesis, Advanced Catalyst Characterisation
I’m working on chemically modifying zeolites (BEA, CHA) to improve their catalytic performance for greenLFG production.We support GreenQUEST’s mission of energy efficiency and scalability, paving the way for sustainable fuel solutions and reduced emissions.
Dr Tywabi-Ngeva’s expertise in GreenQUEST? My role is to develop innovative catalysts and foster collaboration within a multidisciplinary team. Together with my two senior colleagues and a postdoctoral fellow, I am conducting experiments to push the boundaries of clean fuel gas production by improving the catalytic performance of commercial zeolites.
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Project Lead – GreenQUEST
Catalysis Institute – UCT
Project and Scientific Lead, Management and Coordination, Catalysis Development and Synthesis, gLFG synthesis, Maximisation of project impacts, Exploitation and Innovation Strategies, gFLG scale-up and testing
Jack Fletcher’s entire career has been in the field of catalysis, principally with a focus on synthetic fuels & chemicals. He has worked in all of universities, government laboratories and private enterprise. Currently, he leads the GreenQUEST Project for the production and use of a renewable LPG-substitute fuel, green Liquefied Fuel Gas (gLFG).
Jack’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Catalyst synthesis, incl. zeolite hydrothermal synthesis and modification, the conversion of dimethyl ether (DME) to hydrocarbons, notably C3 & C4 paraffins (green liquefied fuel gas, gLFG), and gLFG process design. Overall project technical lead.
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Senior Research Analyst
Energy Systems Research Group (ESRG) – UCT
Techno-economic systems analysis, Environmental and Circularity Analysis
Gregory is an energy systems research engineer specializing in integrated energy system assessments and planning frameworks in Sub-Saharan Africa. His key focus areas are geospatial energy systems assessments, as well as national-scale energy sector infrastructure planning and transitions in Africa.
Gregory’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Geospatial mapping of South African CO2 sources from 2020 to 2050 for several future South African energy transition scenarios, as well as spatial hydrogen, LPG, ammonia and electricity demand. Assistance with model and work package inter-linking and coherence.
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Senior Lecturer
Department of Chemical Engineering – UCT
Techno-economic systems analysis
Education: Chemical Engineering at UCT [1987-1990]. Industry: fine chemicals/petrochemicals in SA/USA [1991-1998]. Academia since 1998; UCT Dept of Chemical Engineering since 2007. Research: techno-economic analysis/process optimization (green fuels/minewater treatment/battery recycling); engineering education; medical technology.
Hilton’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Process Flowsheet Development, Simulation and Optimization. Techno-economic analysis, including equipment sizing/costing, utilities analysis, overall CAPEX/OPEX determination, and overall economic feasibility of process.
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Student
ACDI – UCT
Socio-technical systems analysis
Conventional and Renewable Energy Development, Climate Change.
Jin’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Social Science
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Engineer
Hydrogen Energy Applications (HYENA)
gFLG scale-up and testing, Communication and Dissemination Strategies, Maximisation of project impacts
A Chemical Engineer with a passion for sustainability, Kirthi has worked in the non-profit and private sector with roles spanning business process optimisation and circular economy research and engagement. At HYENA, she focuses on R&D to leverage fuel cell technology to address energy insecurity in Africa.
Kirthi’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Kirthi’s Chemical Engineering background lends itself to support HYENA’s role as industrial partner in GreenQUEST. In tandem, her experience in the production and dissemination of knowledge products plays a role in the communication strategy and contributes towards maximisation of project outputs.
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Masters Student
Catalysis Institute – UCT
gLFG synthesis
I studied high school in Swaziland and earned a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town. My honors research focused on developing a DFT model to characterize manganese oxides for manganese-promoted cobalt-based FT catalysts. I am now a master’s student focusing on gLFG synthesis under catalysis institute.
Lungelo’s expertise in GreenQUEST? I am a first-year master’s student focusing on loading palladium onto zeolite catalysts for gLFG synthesis from DME.
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Master’s Student
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Catalysis Development and Synthesis, Advanced Catalyst Characterisation, gLFG synthesis
As global warming remains a hot global topic, strong efforts are being made from capturing CO2 to production of DME. However, converting DME into LFG to replace LPG is a difficult step. The goal is to incorporate nickel into zeolite cavities to improve activity and selectivity for conversion of DME to LFG.
Maano’s expertise in GreenQUEST? I recently completed my BSc (Honors) Chemistry where my research project focused on developing improved zeolite catalysts for the catalytic conversion of DME to LFG. During this work I advanced my understanding of different analytical and characterization techniques such as FTIR, UV-Vis, ICP-OES, XRD, TGA, NMR, TEM, SEM and BET.
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Master’s student
Catalysis Institute – UCT
gLFG synthesis, Advanced Catalyst Characterisation, Catalysis Development and Synthesis
I am a Master’s student at the University of Cape (UCT) under the Catalysis Institute in the chemical engineering department. I have a BSc in Physical Sciences (Physics and Chemistry) and BSc Hons in Physics both from the University of Limpopo (UL).
Natasha’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Exploring alternative catalyst formulation that could replace the platinum group metals (PGM) by a more abundant non-PGM catalyst in the conversion of gLFG from DME.
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CEO
Hydrogen Energy Applications (HYENA)
gFLG scale-up and testing Communication and Dissemination Strategies Exploitation and Innovation Strategies
Founded as Hydrogen Energy Application, HYENA is a pioneering deep-tech company born out of UCT with strong commitment to innovation in renewable energy. By harnessing the existing distribution infrastructure of LPG, the flagship innovation of HYENA, the POWER POD converts LPG into reliable electricity using fuel cell technology.
Niels’ expertise in GreenQUEST? As the industrial partner of GreenQUEST, HYENA will lead the exploitation strategy for the project. As an entrepreneur coming from UCT, Niels has experience in commercialising R&D. HYENA will also produce a large sample of LFG, as well as lead the cookstove demonstration and LFG use in its POWER POD.
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Department Head / Professor
HZB, FAU, HIERN
Project and Scientific Lead, Advanced Catalyst Characterisation
Expert in the use of different electron and X-ray spectroscopies to study the chemical and electronic surface and interface structures in energy conversion materials and devices.
Professor Dr-Ing. Bär’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Supporting the catalyst development in WP1 and WP2 by insights provided by X-ray spectroscopic measurements.
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Director – Catalysis Institute
Catalysis Institute – UCT
Project and Scientific Lead, Management and Coordination, Catalysis Development and Synthesis, Advanced Catalyst Characterisation, gLFG synthesis
Professor Fischer is currently the Director of the Catalysis Institute at the University of Cape Town and holds the DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Sustainable Catalysis. The focus of his research is on the development of novel catalytic materials for the activation of CO2 with green H2 or alternative molecules.
Professor Fischer’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Within GreenQUEST Professor Fischer leads the efforts to develop catalyst formulations which are not dependent on platinum group metals. Such new materials hold the promise of being more sustainable and cost effective.
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Professor
Catalysis Institute – UCT
Catalysis Development and Synthesis, Advanced Catalyst Characterisation, gLFG synthesis
PhD in zeolite synthesis / catalysis; post-doc high resolution transmission electron microscopy; faculty Delft University of Technology then UCT. Structure-activity relationships in catalysis: catalyst preparation; advanced characterisation; catalytic performance evaluation. Member of core team of 3 to develop operando gas-phase TEM.
Professor Kooyman’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Zeolite synthesis, characterisation, catalysis.
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Professor of Chemistry
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Catalysis Development and Synthesis, Advanced Catalyst Characterisation, gLFG synthesis
Our research group focuses on catalyst development for a range of substrates including conversion of sulfur compounds found in fuel through hydrodesulfurization and oxidative desulfurization and conversion of oxygen-containing compounds found in biocrudes.
Professor Tshentu’s expertise in GreenQUEST? My research group is involved in finding strategies for incorporation of palladium and nickel into the channels of zeolites as catalysts for application in gLFG production. We are engaged in a top-down approach in achieving the desired properties of metal-incorporated zeolites and characterization of the new materials is promising.
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Master’s Student
ACDI – UCT
Social Acceptance of gLFG Innovation
MPhil Candidate in Climate Change and Sustainable Development with a background in Education and Geographical Sciences.
Rodgers’ expertise in GreenQUEST? I work with Working Package Five (WP5), specifically on the social acceptance of gLFG innovation. I do research on this dimension of the project (Social Acceptance) together with experienced practitioners and researchers in this field. The research involves engaging communities, data collection, and reviewing policy documents.
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Research Associate
Jülich Systems Analysis, FZJ
Techno-economic systems analysis
Shitab is an energy systems research engineer specializing in the techno-economic modeling of sustainable energy systems and infrastructure planning. His key focus areas include renewable energy integration, cost-optimized low-carbon fuels, and energy transitions in both regional and global contexts.
Shitab’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Shitab conducts research on green liquefied fuel gas (gLFG) in South Africa, examining emissions by sector, production costs, spatial potentials, and infrastructure requirements to facilitate cost-effective gLFG production and export as part of the GreenQUEST project.
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Research Contracts Manager
Catalysis Institute – UCT
Management and Coordination, Project and Scientific Lead, Catalysis Development and Synthesis, gLFG synthesis, gFLG scale-up and testing
Stephen is a registered professional engineer and the Industrial Research Contracts Manager at UCT’s Catalysis Institute, where he focuses predominately on industrially-relevant catalysis. Previously, he was a lead researcher in catalyst development at Mintek. He is also a founding member of a number of spin-out companies from UCT.
Stephen’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Within GreenQUEST, Stephen focuses on the technical aspects of gLFG synthesis – both in terms of catalyst synthesis and performance testing. Notably, his expertise in laboratory-scale test unit design and construction has been invaluable.
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Master’s Student
UCT
gLFG synthesis, gFLG scale-up and testing, Techno-economic systems analysis
I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Cape Town. I have a keen interest in the renewable energy space and this reflected in my honours project. My final year honours project was on the development of a pseudo-closed loop process for the production of ethanol from agricultural waste for farmers to use as fuel on farms.
Tawananyasha’s expertise in GreenQUEST? Using the process development skills I obtained from both my undergraduate degree and honours project, I use critical problem solving and computational thinking skills in analysing the commercial feasibility of gLFG production, focusing on Pilot Scale and Commercial Scale plant development.
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MSc Student
Catalysis Institute – UCT
Catalysis Development and Synthesis, gLFG synthesis, Advanced Catalyst Characterisation
Tiana’s expertise in GreenQUEST? I specialize in catalysis, which is the focus of my master’s research, which explores the use of non-PGM catalysts for the conversion of dimethyl ether (DME) to green liquid fuel gas (gLFG). My expertise includes catalyst synthesis, characterization, and catalyst performance testing.
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