Avishek Goel’s research focused on advancing gasification technologies by investigating the innovative CLG approach for converting biomass and waste into syngas, a gas that can be used by industries to produce fuels, chemicals, and clean energy. This technology can potentially capture carbon dioxide, helping to achieve net zero emissions and keep global temperatures well below 2°C.
CLG works by converting solid fuels, like biomass and waste, into syngas. Unlike conventional methods, which burn the fuel by using air or pure oxygen, CLG uses solid materials called oxygen carriers (typically metal oxides) for oxygen supply.
In his research, Goel examined several metal oxide materials and developed an affordable, effective, and robust oxygen carrier. Nickel smelter slag, a waste product from nickel production process that is usually sent to landfill, was shown to perform effectively in the CLG process. Using this slag, he successfully converted pine forestry waste into syngas comparing the results with those of conventional gasification systems. His work highlighted both the advantages and the challenges of CLG, paving the way for future research.
“By conducting experiments and comprehensively comparing CLG with conventional systems, I have presented an initial indication of CLG’s superior performance. In addition to this, CLG also supports a circular economy by converting forestry waste into clean energy and giving industrial waste new utility,” he says.
Avishek Goel is originally from Delhi, India. He is currently the Head of Technology Development at GIDARA Energy in the Netherlands, where he focuses on advancing gasification technologies to convert biomass and waste into sustainable fuels and chemicals.
Public defence on Friday 7 November
The doctoral dissertation of MSc (Tech.) Avishek Goel in the field of Energy Technology titled Biomass Chemical Looping Gasification for High-Quality Syngas will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Tampere University at 12 o’clock on Friday, 7 November 2025 at Hervanta Campus, Festia Building and Auditorium Pieni Sali 1 (Korkeakoulunkatu 8, Tampere).
The Opponent will be Professor Oskar Karlström from the University of Turku. The Custos will be Professor Jukka Konttinen from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Tampere University.
The doctoral dissertation is available online.
The public defence can be followed via remote connection.