My Fulbright research aims to optimize a process that utilizes microorganisms to convert carbon dioxide to renewable natural gas (methane) through the addition of hydrogen gas produced by excess renewable energy. The concept would provide a method for the long-term storage of intermittent renewable energy, improving its viability.
Dr Matthew Higgins is a professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Bucknell University where his research focuses on the recovery of renewable energy from waste organics through anaerobic digestion.
As a Fulbright Scholar, Matt will collaborate with a team at the University of Technology, Sydney to investigate and optimize approaches that use microbes to convert carbon dioxide into renewable natural gas.