A new research collaboration has just been signed between the IRD and ISSBAT (Institut supérieur des sciences biologiques appliquées de Tunis) to work on a joint programme entitled: Production of bio-hydrogen from Tunisian agri-food waste in a simplified environment in the presence of seawater. This project, which is being led by our MIO colleagues Richard Auria and Pierre Pol Liebgott, has the potential to provide a new energy resource for Tunisia, which produces around 2.5 million tonnes of municipal waste per year, of which 70 % is organic matter.
At a ceremony held on Monday 29 October at the ISSBAT premises, a research collaboration agreement was signed between the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) and the Institut Supérieur des Sciences Biologiques Appliquées de Tunis, part of the University of Tunis El Manar.
The purpose of ratifying this agreement is to conduct a joint research programme, essentially involving the creation of a young team associated with the IRD: JEAI BIOTECH H2. Our colleagues from the MIO, Pierre-Pol Liebgott (posted to Tunis) and Richard Auria (on long-term assignment in Tunis), both attached to the MEB team, are heavily involved in this programme.
The study programme is entitled: Production of bio-hydrogen from Tunisian agri-food waste in a simplified environment in the presence of seawater.
The research project, specific to this collaboration between ISSBAT and MIO/IRD, is essentially focused on bioenergy and more specifically on the production of biohydrogen (H2). It is a direct continuation of the JEAI BIOTEC H2, which consists of creating a research group working on the general theme of Bioenergies, the main focus of which is the production of biohydrogen. This research project has 3 main objectives (fundamental, teaching, applied).
Develop a strong line of research into the production of biohydrogen by dark fermentation from agro-industrial waste (fundamental research).
Setting up a North-South Master's degree between France (AMU, Aix-Marseille University) and Tunisia (University of Tunis El Manar), focusing mainly on renewable energies with an emphasis on biomass (knowledge transfer).
Putting in place the tools needed for technology transfer to produce biohydrogen on an industrial scale using an "eco-design" approach (applied research).
The following teams are affiliated with this project:
For the IRD: The MIO Joint Research Unit (France/Marseille)
Pierre-Pol LIEBGOTT
Laurie CASALOT
Sylvain DAVIDSON
Yannick COMBET-BLANC
Richard AURIA
For ISSBAT: The UR11ES25 research unit (Tunisia/Tunis)
Hana GANNOUN
Lamia BEN-GAIDA
Ghofrane LASSOUED BEN MILED
Semia CHERIF
Rached BEN HASSEN