3D-printed gas turbines for efficient conversion of biogas to power in rural communities of the Global South

Partners: University Of Edinburgh

Country: Malawi

Technology: Diesel and petrol generator replacements

Stage: Early

Stage: Round 10

Micro gas turbines (MGTs) are lower maintenance, cleaner and easier to multifuel than piston engine generators. This is especially true compared to diesel in small-scale applications of <500 kW. MGTS could thereby provide an alternative to diesel piston engine generators in mini-grids. HyperGen is adapting a novel MGT design that can handle a variety of fuels, including biogas, which is cheaper than batteries and cleaner than diesel for peak or backup generation. This project will focus on farm cooperatives in Malawi who currently have minimal access to electricity. Malawi Fruits will provide a consumer view on competing technologies and assess how access to 24/7 clean power from MGTs could change the lives of these farmers. Production of biogas for cooking and fertilizer from Anaerobic Digestion is also a side benefit that could be deployed early on.