A West Yorkshire university has been recognised for its role in changing clean energy production abroad.
A University of Huddersfield partnership with Kibabii University in Kenya and Carbon Footprint Ltd has been graded outstanding by Innovate UK for its work in turning sugarcane waste into clean cooking fuel in western Kenya.
The project led by Professor John Allport and Dr Gina Javanbakht from the School of Computing and Engineering developed a drying technology for bagasse, the fibrous by-product of sugarcane processing, with a patent application pending.
Professor Allport said: “The development of a local solution, using local expertise and capabilities in a contextual manner, has led to a significant step toward translating research outcomes into real-world impact, providing both economic and social benefits.”
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The technology forms part of the African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnership (AAKTP), a pilot programme funded by Innovate UK and modelled after the UK’s KTP scheme.
By drying sugarcane waste and turning it into fuel briquettes, the process reduces environmental harm and provides a cleaner and cheaper alternative to traditional cooking fuels.
