Oliver Grasham

Background

I graduated in 2014 with a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Leeds; where my passion for renewables really came to fruition. During my final year I completed a dissertation project on the production of hydrogen from waste cooking oil. The prospect of continuing research in an affiliated area led me to pursue a place in the Bioenergy CDT; of which I am currently undertaking the first of four years. Over the next year I will be undertaking two mini-projects; the first exploring the concept of ‘energy return on investment’ (EROI), which is expected to play a significant role in future energy policy making and understanding the sustainability of future energies. The second project will be investigating anaerobic digestion (AD); examining the potential of a proposed on-campus AD plant at the University of Leeds.

Research Interests

My main research interests lie in thermodynamic and life-cycle analysis of transport fuel from bio-mass/waste. I see the sustainability of whole systems as being one of the most important factors for the global community to understand in order for the successful introduction of renewable/low carbon technology into the global energy mix. I am hoping the mini-projects of this year will provide me with new skills and interest areas for incorporation in my PhD project.

Why I chose the CDT in Bioenergy

It is hoped that by 2050 bioenergy will provide 12% of the UK’s primary energy supply. I chose the CDT in bioenergy in order to be part of the scientific community aiding this significant transformation of the UK’s energy mix. Furthermore, the academics, experts, facilities and on-going research available, here at the University of Leeds, are unparalleled. The CDT will provide a unique platform for our research to matter, help decarbonise the economy and mitigate climate change (which I see as the most important challenge facing humanity in the 21st century).