Biosketch

Prof Johann Görgens


Johann Görgens is senior lecturer in the Department of Process Engineering, obtained his PhD (Chemical Engineering) at the same institution. He has more than 10 years of research experience in renewable energy, which includes cultivation processes for ethanol production by recombinant yeast from plant biomass, process modelling and economic evaluation of renewable energy technologies in South Africa.

Görgens is a professor in chemical engineering with over 20 years’ experience in bioenergy/biomass projects in industry and academia. Prof Görgens holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and an MBA degree, both from Stellenbosch University. He acts as the director of Centre for Process Engineering at Stellenbosch University, coordinating a wide range of research collaborations with public and private funders.

His research focus is on the development of process technologies for conversion of biomass and wastes into valuable products, in a manner that is practical, affordable and sustainable, thereby resulting in sustainable processes. His multidisciplinary approach to research has included participation as a core member in the Research Chair in Biofuels/BioEnergy (CoER) at Stellenbosch University, which addresses a range of chemical/thermochemical/biological process technologies for biomass and wastes conversion. Contributions from his research group to the CoER include kilogram-scale process development and technology assessments through simulation studies. Simulations allow comparative assessment of process technologies in terms of conversion efficiencies, economic viability and (life-cycle) environmental impacts, providing a comprehensive method to select preferred processes through sustainability. The scope of end-products includes various bio-energy options, as well as multiple food, feed, chemicals and materials that can be produced for the valourisation of organic and carbonaceous wastes. Integration of experimental at kilogram scale with simulation development has created an excellent basis to identify preferred technologies for local implementation.


Research Interests

  • Biochemical conversion of biomass and organic wastes into fuels and chemicals

  • Pyrolysis processing of biomass and organic/carbonaceous wastes

  • Biorefineries for foods, fuels and chemicals from biomass and organic wastes

  • Bioprocess development with microbial and enzymatic systems