Development of Key Performance Metrics and Comprehensive Benchmarks for Producing Green Methanol from Fruit and Vegetable Waste

Summary

The project explores the repurposing of Food and Vegetable Waste (FVW) for small-scale green methanol production via biomass electrolysis and methanol synthesis utilising locally sourced CO2 coming from Anaerobic Digestion.

Small-scale production offers flexibility, lower capital costs, and environmental benefits, making it attractive for local investment and circular economy models.

By integrating local waste streams, renewable energy, and CO₂ reuse, the project aims to reduce the production costs of renewable methanol.

Biowaste electrolysis is an emerging process (TRL 3) for green hydrogen production that requires non-noble catalysts (e.g., polyoxometalate) and uses 30% to 50% less electricity than water electrolysis (33 versus 55 kWh per kg H₂) (Hibino et al., 2018; Gunerhan et al., 2025).

It is worth noting that the electrolysis of biowaste produces CO2 during the feedstock reduction phase, which can be easily captured at the anode and used in methanol synthesis to meet about 50% of the CO₂ demand.

The project will develop reliable technical, economic, and environmental metrics to benchmark the proposed system, enabling clear communication of its potential to industry and policymakers. These benchmarks will help build confidence in the technology and support its adoption.

The research will focus on:

• Pre-treatment and characterisation of the electrolysis process from FVW
• Modelling the entire green methanol production process from FVW.
• Benchmarking the process against renewable and non-renewable methanol production processes, based on comprehensive techno-economic and environmental analyses.

This project is in collaboration with B9 Energy Storage Ltd and AFBI

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000 (approximately) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available to home candidates, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.