A workshop focusing on biogas upgrading through microbial electrosynthesis brought together researchers, academics, industry representatives and government stakeholders at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), providing practical training in an emerging technology with significant potential to advance the circular bio-economy.
Held on 22 and 23 June, the workshop was supported through a Knowledge Interchange and Collaboration (KIC) grant awarded to Dr Madison Lasich of UKZN’s Discipline of Chemical Engineering. It was facilitated by visiting expert Dr Eleftheria Ntagia from the Biotechnological Processes in the Service of the Environment (PROSE) research unit at the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) in France.
The two-day event introduced participants to microbial electrosynthesis, an emerging technology in waste valorisation and the bio-economy that offers innovative approaches to biogas upgrading. The technology presents several advantages over conventional methods by enabling the simultaneous removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S), while also allowing integration with renewable energy systems through water electrolysis. Its modular design further makes it suitable for implementation across a wide range of operational contexts.
In addition to exploring the scientific principles underpinning microbial electrosynthesis, the workshop emphasised practical application. Delegates attended a live demonstration of a microbial electrosynthesis system in the Chemical Engineering laboratories at UKZN, where they observed the technology in operation and gained insight into the equipment and processes involved.
Participants represented a broad spectrum of institutions and organisations, reflecting the growing national interest in sustainable waste management and renewable energy technologies. Attendees included representatives from UKZN, the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), the Durban University of Technology (DUT), the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the University of South Africa (Unisa), eThekwini Municipality, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and industry.
During her visit to Durban, Ntagia also toured research laboratories at both UKZN and MUT, creating further opportunities for scientific exchange and discussion around current research initiatives.
A key feature of the workshop was the extensive hands-on training provided by Ntagia. Participants received instruction in the working principles of microbial electrosynthesis systems, equipment configuration, operational procedures and data analysis techniques. The practical sessions were designed to equip delegates with competencies that could be directly applied to their own research projects and professional activities.
The knowledge gained through the workshop is expected to support ongoing research and development in areas such as the circular economy, biogas production and bioprocess engineering. By exposing researchers to new methodologies and technologies, the initiative aimed to strengthen local expertise while encouraging innovation in sustainable resource recovery and environmental biotechnology.
The workshop also created opportunities for networking and collaboration across institutions and disciplines. Researchers specialising in engineering, biotechnology, environmental science and renewable energy exchanged ideas, discussed common research challenges and explored opportunities for future partnerships. Such multidisciplinary engagement is increasingly recognised as essential for addressing complex environmental challenges and developing integrated solutions for sustainable energy production and waste management.
Lasich said the strong participation from a diverse range of organisations highlighted the value of creating spaces where researchers and practitioners could learn from one another while building new collaborative networks.
“It was great to see colleagues from multiple institutions and disciplines all in one place engaging on the same topic,” said Lasich. “By combining practical training with scientific discussion, the workshop created valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and laid the foundation for future collaborations that can advance research in microbial electrosynthesis, biogas upgrading and the broader circular bio-economy.”
The successful workshop highlighted UKZN’s commitment to fostering international research partnerships and developing expertise in emerging technologies that contribute to sustainable development. By bringing together international experts and South African researchers, the initiative strengthened knowledge exchange and built capacity in renewable energy, waste valorisation and environmental biotechnology.
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Supplied
