This program aims to investigate the integration of clean hydrogen in biogas upgrading processes, focusing on biomethanation, CO₂ hydrogenation, and methane cracking. The research will contribute to developing renewable and sustainable fuel sources, support waste management, and promote circular economy practices.  The programme will explore modular and scalable biogas upgrading units for small-scale operations, enhancing methane production by injecting excess renewable electricity from power-to-gas systems. The research will focus on novel materials and methods for gas separation to enrich methane content and facilitate hydrogen injection, coupling these processes with renewable technologies. The research team includes experts from various disciplines within the faculty, collaborating with external partners such as UCT Catalysis, Green Cape, Cape Town Biogas, and Anaergia.

Deliverables include optimised biogas upgrading processes with an experimental test rig, experimental data on integrating clean hydrogen and scientific publications. The programme will position SU as a leader in sustainable biogas upgrading technologies, contributing to renewable energy generation, waste management, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Well-equipped laboratory facilities are essential to achieve these goals, enabling the development of necessary skills and collaborations to advance biogas upgrading with clean hydrogen technology.