The global energy crisis was Olwethu’s motivation to shift her studies from pharmaceutical to energy and pursue a PhD in Chemistry.
“My PhD focuses on the optimisation and utilisation of biomass for production of bio-oil and its hydroprocessing to produce quality biofuel.
“In simple terms, the project looks at how we can produce quality fuel with minimal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This was motivated by using fossil fuels, which accelerate the concentration of GHG emissions,” explained Olwethu.
According to Olwethu, in South Africa coal is abundant and we mostly rely on it for energy, which makes coal the most utilised primary fuel resource, accounting for approximately 72% of our primary needs.
However, with an increase in population growth and economic development in developing nations, the effects of GHG emissions from fossil fuels are worsening.
“… We are aware of numerous damaging consequences of coal use to the environment, such as the release of methane, and sulphur and nitrogen oxides.
Moreover, it leads to the accumulation of waste coal as by-product, exacerbating environmental issues as this does not only harm the environment, but it is also very expensive to dispose of. This suggests the need for an alternative that is more environmentally friendly and that will meet the energy demand of the growing population,” said Olwethu.
Her research work has been globally recognised and won her the 2023 Global Challenges University Alliance (GCUA) 2030 award.
Her project entitled, ‘Optimization of utilization of biomass for production of bio-oil and its hydro-processing to produce quality biofuel’, scooped the first prize of 3500 Euro.
She also won an all-expenses paid trip to Sweden to present a seminar on her research during the GCUA’s meeting from 30 January to 1 February at Haga Slott, Enköping, Sweden.
The adjudicators commented the following about her research, “This high-quality research focuses on the important topic of combining algae and coal into coalgae composites, which can be a part of meeting the energy demand and protecting the environment and can be further optimised to reduce greenhouse gases.
“Coming from a disadvantaged background, you tend to doubt yourself believing that some things are not meant for you. But here I was from a township in Motherwell, giving a speech in Sweden, to the world,” said Olwethu.
She is currently completing her PhD project and is involved in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, an exposition, or science fair, where students have a chance to show others their projects about their own scientific investigations.
Last year, she was a judge at the Eskom Expo; this year she is assisting in a mentoring capacity, assisting students with their projects.
“I want every young girl to know that it is possible. No dream is too big, as long as you tell yourself you can, and you put in the effort, then you will,” encouraged Olwethu.
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Nelson Mandela University Chemistry PhD student wins international global challenges award #R2bP