Investigating the potential applications of biomass and waste gasification by-products

By October 31st, 2025

Project overview

Project title

Investigating the potential applications of biomass and waste gasification by-products in other industries. 

Project description

This project will investigate challenges and potentials of biomass and waste gasification by-products such as ash, slag, and biochar for alternative applications. There are several potential applications for these materials in different industries, including cement and asphalt. The expected outcomes are filling the gap in the knowledge on the technical challenges of using the biomass and waste gasification by-products. This project will also provide a thorough understanding of the commercial feasibility of the proposed applications for these by-products. Potential benefits include finding techno-economically feasible applications for utilising gasification by-products that will make the overall process zero-waste. This will also help the off-taking industries in their decarbonisation efforts by using more sustainable resources. 

Supervisory team

University

Name of university supervisorJeff Chen
Name of universityThe University of Queensland
Email addressj.chen5@uq.edu.au

CSIRO

Name of CSIRO supervisorVahid Shadravan
Alex Ilyushechkin 
Email addressvahid.shadravan@csiro.au
alex.ilyushechkin@csiro.au
CSIRO Business UnitEnergy

Industry

Name of industry supervisorDenis Doucet
Name of business/organisationWildfire Energy Australia Pty Ltd 
Email addressdenis.doucet@wildfireenergy.com.au

Further details

Primary location of studentCSIRO Pullenvale, 1 Technology Court, Pullenvale QLD 4069
Industry engagement component locationWildfire Energy Australia Pty Ltd, Gate 3, 10 First Street, Pinkenba QLD 4008
Other locationsThe University of Queensland, Long Pocket Campus, 80 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly QLD 4068
Ideal student skillsetEssential

Chemical Engineering or Materials Science through a bachelor’s or master’s degree

Willingness to conduct both experimental and theoretical studies

Good verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with multiple research partners and engage with different industries

Desirable

Industrial experience and knowledge  
Application Close DateOpen until position filled
ApplyContact Jeff Chen