Biomass Conversion, Biofuels, Biobased Products, Bioenergy, Biogas Technology, Green and Sustainable Chemistry, Biocatalysts, Waste Management

Dr. Million Merid Afessa has over 14 years of experience in academia, research, consultancy, and capacity-building training across various areas associated with renewable energy and climate issues, with a focus on sustainable biomass conversion and energy system optimization. He began his academic career at Jimma University, Ethiopia, in 2010, where he currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Jimma Institute of Technology. His research encompasses pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, biochar production, biomaterial, and the development of catalytic materials for tar cracking in biofuel production. He is also deeply committed to contributing toward the achievement of SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 12, and SDG 13.

Dr. Afessa earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Sustainable Energy Engineering through a collaborative program between Jimma University and Politecnico di Milano, Italy. His doctoral research focused on the modeling and experimental investigation of the pyrolysis behavior of multi-scale biomass particles, particularly coffee husk and khat stem. Over the course of his career, Dr. Afessa has led and contributed to several international and community-based projects aimed at advancing clean energy access, including the design of biogas systems, feasibility studies for hybrid energy systems, and capacity-building initiatives in sustainable waste and energy management. He has also served as a consultant and project development leader at Ayu Sustainable Energy Engineering Works Association, where he played a key role in implementing innovative renewable energy solutions in rural communities.

Dr. Afessa’s research interests include biomass thermochemical conversion, renewable energy integration, energy modeling and simulation, sustainable waste management, and green chemistry solutions for climate resilience. He is deeply committed to advancing energy equity and capacity building through education, policy dialogue, and applied research. He has published peer-reviewed articles and presented his work at international conferences on sustainable energy and environmental engineering. Dr. Afessa holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Mekelle University and an M.Sc. in Renewable Energy Technologies from Addis Ababa Institute of Technology. Contact Million.