“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.
