Looking for new ways to revolutionize waste management and energy production simultaneously

“I am deeply passionate about solving real-world problems through innovative research. My immediate goal is to deepen my expertise in pyrolysis and explore its potential as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels,” says Aysan Safavi, a postdoctoral researcher in chemical engineering at the University of Iceland. She is currently working on an exciting research project on how to further develop pyrolysis technology; technology that can potentially transform waste management and energy production in the future simultaneously. Aysan presented her research at an event that marked the 60th anniversary of the University of Iceland Eimskip Fund, earlier in December.

Environmental issues are some of the most pressing challenges facing humankind, and all around the world scientists are looking for new ways to develop new and more environmentally friendly energy sources and ways to minimize the impact of human consumption on the environment. Both of these topics are the focus of Aysan´s research, who finished her PhD from the University of Iceland last year with support from the University of Iceland Eimskip Fund. The fund has helped almost 200 doctoral students finish their degrees at the University of Iceland in the last two decades.

Aysan´s interest in renewable energy goes back to when she was doing her undergraduate studies in her home country, Iran, a country very reliant on oil and gas. “I had always been deeply concerned about environmental issues and the need for renewable energy alternatives. During my undergraduate studies in chemical and petrochemical engineering, I became acutely aware of the environmental impacts of depleting fossil fuels. This awareness inspired me to shift my focus toward green energy sources. My interest led me to work on solar energy and photovoltaic systems for my bachelor thesis,“ says Aysan. 

A masters project collaboration with Sorpa on biogas production

A chance to pursue further studies in the field of renewable energy came in 2012 when she enrolled in a master’s programme in Environmental Engineering with a focus on Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Iceland. In her master’s project Aysan worked in collaboration with Sorpa bs., Reykjavik’s waste management company, to explore the development of biogas production from waste. “After completing my MSc, I worked as a researcher at the Technical University of Denmark, focusing on bioenergy and fertilizer production. This experience solidified my interest in waste-to-energy solutions, motivating me to pursue a PhD to explore the potential of pyrolysis in this context,” says Aysan.

Pyrolysis is a sustainable technique used to produce biofuel. Its main advantage is that it is a low-emission technology, unlike waste incineration and landfilling. Multiple waste incineration plants in Iceland have been closed due to dioxin air pollution, and landfills emit various hazardous greenhouse gases. 

Bridging theory and practical application

Aysan´s doctoral research at the University of Iceland combined experimental and modelling studies to investigate sustainable energy production through pyrolysis. “The experimental work involved studying the pyrolysis of various bio-wastes to optimize energy recovery. I spent part of my studies at Queen Mary University of London, where I gained hands-on experience in pyrolysis processes and learned about the fundamentals of reaction modelling. On the modelling side, I developed and validated reaction models to predict and optimize pyrolysis outcomes. This dual approach allowed me to bridge theory and practical application effectively,” says Aysan.

The project's primary goal was thus  to evaluate the feasibility of using pyrolysis as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional waste disposal methods, such as landfilling and incineration. “The results were promising, showing that pyrolysis significantly reduces emissions of toxic compounds like dioxins and furans while generating renewable energy. Additionally, my research contributed critical tools, including validated reaction models, to support the efficient design and implementation of pyrolysis systems,“ says Aysan who did her doctoral studies under the supervision of professors Christiaan Richter and Rúnar Unnþórsson at the University of Iceland.

Supporting transition to a circular economy

Aysan´s research  not only advances the understanding of pyrolysis processes, particularly in controlling and minimizing the formation of harmful compounds like dioxins and furans, but also optimizes setups for bio-oil capture and universal models for biomass and plastic pyrolysis.

“The public value of this work lies in its potential to revolutionize waste management and energy production. Pyrolysis enables a waste-free future by supporting the transition to a circular economy. For Iceland, municipalities could replace outdated waste management practices with small-scale pyrolysis plants, reducing costs and carbon footprints while generating renewable energy. This aligns with global goals for carbon-negative energy solutions and sustainable development,“ Aysan adds.

Wants to establish a pyrolysis lab at UI

Aysan is currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Iceland where she has continued her research on pyrolysis. “My focus now is on establishing a pyrolysis lab at the University of Iceland. Currently, we lack the necessary equipment for pyrolysis research. Setting up this lab will enable us to study the pyrolysis of various Icelandic waste materials and optimize the technology under local conditions. This is a critical step toward advancing pyrolysis research and its practical application in Iceland,“ says Aysan. 

Aysan hopes to continue to work in academia, and also wants to contribute to innovation in her field. “Over the next few years, I aim to expand my responsibilities in research and supervision, ultimately securing a tenure-track position in academia. Beyond research, I am eager to engage in entrepreneurial ventures and contribute to projects that make a tangible difference in addressing global energy and environmental challenges,“ Aysan adds.