To effectively decarbonise energy from (fossil) fuels is one of the most important, but most difficult undertakings in the energy field. In the Bioenergy and Renewable Fuels group, we address critical problems in the production of several green fuels.   

This work includes investigating carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and its potential to produce energy while reducing atmospheric CO2 levels; biomethane, which transforms organic wastes into a clean and valuable natural gas substitute; advanced biodiesel techniques that eliminate expensive catalysts and utilise low cost feedstocks; new, robust fuel cells that efficiently produce electricity from energy rich bio-derived molecules; and numerous “downstream” applications of green hydrogen—nitrogen fixation, metal ore refining, biomass upgrading to high value (fuel) products and hydrogen carriers for green energy export. 

Our work and team are dynamic and innovative – and always happy to discuss our projects! 

Our people

Group members: 

Dr Rob Patterson 

Prof. Gavin Conibeer 

Postdoctoral researchers: 

Dr Tracey Yeung 

PhD candidates: 

Alex Wotton 

Masters students: 

Ziyue Feng 

Rongjing Bao 

Hanlin Lin 

Contact us  

Find more information on all the interesting projects we’re working on and request access to our materials 

Dr Rob Patterson
E: r.patterson@unsw.edu.au

Prof. Gavin Conibeer
E: g.conibeer@unsw.edu.au  

Research partnerships  

If you’re interested in becoming a postgraduate research candidate at SPREE, please connect with us. We also welcome partnerships with industry and would love to talk to you. 

Bram Hoex
E: b.hoex@unsw.edu.au