Nigerian researcher drives energy innovations to tackle global shortages

A Nigerian researcher, Dr. Joshua Orege, is at the forefront of global energy innovation, pioneering cutting-edge catalytic technologies to address the world’s growing energy demands. His groundbreaking research on CO₂ hydrogenation technology offers innovative solutions to energy shortages while promoting environmental conservation.

With global energy demand projected to surge by 50% by 2050 due to population growth and industrial expansion, scientists are exploring alternative methods to optimize fossil fuel use and integrate renewable energy sources. Orege’s research focuses on converting carbon dioxide into high-value chemicals and fuels, a breakthrough that complements traditional energy production methods by providing additional, sustainable pathways to meet future energy needs.

Speaking on his work, Orege explained, “Catalyst development is a crucial aspect of the process. Developing high-efficiency catalysts is imperative in achieving precise control over product selectivity. My research is driven by the need for energy availability, sustainability, and prosperity.” He emphasized how this innovation can work alongside current energy systems, improving overall efficiency and providing new opportunities for cleaner energy solutions.

His study, published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, details the development of highly efficient iron-based catalysts that selectively convert CO₂ into linear alpha-olefins (LAOs). These compounds are essential precursors in the production of plastics, detergents, and synthetic lubricants. Traditionally, LAOs are derived from petroleum-based processes that are energy-intensive, but Dr. Orege’s method offers a more sustainable alternative that could be integrated into existing industrial processes. This innovation provides a way to reduce emissions while maintaining the production of valuable materials that are critical to modern life.

Discussing the significance of this breakthrough, he said, “One key challenge in CO₂ hydrogenation has always been selectivity. By engineering a microenvironment using barium-doped iron catalysts with alkali metal promoters, we have significantly improved efficiency and product yield. This research opens a new pathway for converting waste carbon into useful products, enhancing the sustainability of current processes without disrupting the established energy infrastructure.”

A prolific researcher, Orege has authored over 20 peer-reviewed papers in top energy and chemical engineering journals, accumulating more than 750 citations in the past five years. He also holds two patent applications and has contributed a book chapter to the field of industrial catalysis.

“My goal has always been to bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial application. We need scalable, real-world solutions that address both energy security and environmental challenges. That is what my research aims to achieve,” he noted. His work offers a complementary approach to energy production, providing new pathways for cleaner, more efficient energy systems while continuing to support existing energy sectors.

His contributions to global energy solutions have earned him prestigious recognitions, including the Excellent International Graduate Award from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing. He was also part of the pioneering team behind the world’s first pilot project that successfully converted CO₂ into gasoline, demonstrating how CO₂ conversion technologies can support and enhance existing energy production methods.

Currently, Orege is a postdoctoral research fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee. His work focuses on repurposing carbon-rich resources into liquid fuels like alcohol and gasoline, paving the way for cleaner energy solutions that complement existing energy systems and help meet the growing demand for sustainable energy.

Looking ahead, Orege remains committed to advancing catalytic technologies for sustainable energy. “The future of energy lies in innovation. We must continue to explore new materials, optimize reaction processes, and integrate renewable feedstocks to create a more sustainable world. I believe science has the power to transform how we produce and consume energy,” he stressed, emphasizing the importance of integrating new technologies alongside traditional ones to achieve a balanced and sustainable energy future.