Learning about alternative energy sources - ORZ

Dr. Jože Kortnik, a professor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, brought his expertise to the forefront by exploring alternative energy solutions derived from rehabilitated municipal waste landfills. His presentation delved into innovative methods of landfill gas capture and utilization, aligning closely with the project’s mission of increasing energy self-sufficiency and repurposing industrial by-products.

Dr. Kortnik first highlighted the potential of landfill-generated energy, detailing cutting-edge research on capturing methane and other gases from aging landfills and converting them into usable power sources. This approach directly supports the project's initiative’s drive toward sustainable energy solutions. Shifting focus to biofuels, he introduced his experimental work on repurposing coffee grounds into fuel sources, demonstrating their viability for candles and fuel tablets. A live demonstration showcased how compressed coffee waste can serve as an efficient and eco-friendly heat source.

Further expanding on modular renewable systems, Dr. Kortnik presented a scaled-down wooden modular house equipped with solar panels, battery storage, and rainwater systems. Designed as both a teaching model and a practical example of locally adaptable energy solutions, this innovation underscored the REPower objectives of decentralized and flexible renewable systems tailored for industrial or educational applications.

The meeting not only reinforced the project’s core goals—integrating renewables into local infrastructure, maximizing industrial by-product reuse, and advancing modular energy solutions—but also provided critical insights supporting key activities, such as technical assessments and capacity-building efforts. This dynamic exchange of ideas deepened stakeholder understanding of circular energy innovations and set the stage for potential collaborations in pilot projects and educational initiatives.