Farzin Golzar | Energy | Excellence in Research Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Farzin Golzar | Energy | Excellence in Research Award

Assistant Professor | KTH Royal Institute of Technology | Sweden

Farzin Golzar is an accomplished researcher and Assistant Professor specializing in Energy Systems Engineering and Renewable Energy Technology, with a professional focus on integrating advanced modeling techniques to address complex sustainability challenges. His research centers on the application of artificial intelligence for modeling and optimizing energy systems, hybridizing data-driven statistical models with process-driven physical frameworks, and advancing comparative life-cycle impact assessment to enhance environmental decision-making. He also explores energy conversion and storage solutions aimed at accelerating global energy transitions. Dr. Golzar’s professional journey includes his current role at the Heat and Power Technology Division of KTH Royal Institute of Technology, building on previous contributions as a climate strategy consultant supporting national and international stakeholders across sectors such as buildings, transport, and agriculture, as well as prior academic roles including his postdoctoral position at KTH and leadership responsibilities within Sharif University of Technology and the Sharif Energy Research Institute. His research contributions span innovative system-to-cell multiphysics modeling, optimization of hybrid solar-battery systems, AI-based CO₂ emission prediction models, and integrated assessment methods for greenhouse and wastewater systems, along with a series of influential publications on lithium-ion battery degradation, renewable energy system optimization, and climate-positive fuel cell applications. His work has supported major funded projects on sustainable water–energy systems, circular urban economies, urban wastewater treatment supported by AI-based tools, and decarbonization pathways for transportation, demonstrating his ability to bridge scientific innovation with applied solutions. Through collaborations with institutions such as ETH Zurich, international research groups, and environmental agencies, he has contributed to policy-relevant insights for energy system planning and climate mitigation. With a vision grounded in scientific rigor and societal relevance, Dr. Golzar strives to advance sustainable energy transitions by developing data-driven, scalable, and environmentally conscious solutions that support global climate objectives. His work ultimately aims to empower industry, policymakers, and communities with tools and methodologies that improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and promote resilient, low-carbon energy futures.

Profiles: ORCID  | Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Smajila, L., Trevisan, S., Golzar, F., Vaidya, K., & Guedez, R. (2025). Comparative analysis of technoeconomic and techno-environmental approach to optimal sizing and dispatch of hybrid solar–battery systems. Energy Conversion and Management X, 25, 100858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecmx.2024.100858

2. Heidary, B., Kiani, M. A., & Golzar, F. (2025). Toward sustainable development: Energy transition scenarios for oil-dependent countries, with Iran as a case study. Energies, 18(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/en18102651

3. Talaei, M., Astaneh, M., Farahani, E. G., & Golzar, F. (2023). Application of artificial intelligence for predicting CO₂ emission using weighted multi-task learning. Energies, 16(16), 5956. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16165956

4. Golzar, F., & Silveira, S. (2021). Impact of wastewater heat recovery in buildings on the performance of centralized energy recovery: A case study of Stockholm. Applied Energy, 297, 117141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117141

5. Nilsson, D., Karpouzoglou, T., Wallin, J., Blomkvist, P., Golzar, F., & Martin, V. (2023). Is on-property heat and greywater recovery a sustainable option? A quantitative and qualitative assessment up to 2050. Energy Policy, 182, 113727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2023.113727

 

Tendai Tawonezvi | Sustainable Energy

 🏆Mr. Tendai Tawonezvi, 🎉  Heartiest Congratulations on Winning the Young Scientist Award! 👩‍🔬🌟

  • Mr. Tendai Tawonezvi, South African Instutute of Advanced Materials Chemistry, South Africa: Sustainable Energy

Tendai, your dedication and passion for scientific exploration have catapulted you to new heights, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate your well-deserved achievement! 🚀 Your innovative work in chemical engineering, renewable energy, and water treatment exemplifies the spirit of a true young scientist.

Receiving the Young Scientist Award by ScienceFather is a testament to your outstanding contributions and promises a bright future ahead in the realm of scientific discovery. 🏆💡 Your commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring novel solutions is an inspiration to all aspiring scientists.

Your journey, marked by Summa Cum Laude accolades and a plethora of impactful projects, showcases not only your academic prowess but also your genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the world. 🎓💫

May this award be a stepping stone to even greater accomplishments as you continue to unravel the mysteries of chemical engineering and contribute to the betterment of our world. 🌍✨ Your youthful energy, coupled with your dedication to excellence, paints a promising picture for the future of scientific innovation. Congratulations once again on this remarkable achievement! 🎉👏 We eagerly anticipate witnessing the incredible discoveries and advancements that lie ahead in your promising scientific career. 🌟🔬

Professional Profiles:

Tendai Tawonezvi is an Independent Consultant and Chemical & Process Engineer based in Cape Town, South Africa. As a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Engineering, he specializes in renewable energy and water projects. Tendai holds a Doctor of Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, both from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where he graduated with Summa Cum Laude and Cum Laude, respectively.

With a robust skill set encompassing process development, production design, product development, and research, Tendai has a wealth of experience in high-performance electrochemical technologies, particularly in Li-ion and Ni-Fe batteries. His work extends to various roles, including Research and Development Associate at the Energy Storage Innovation and Effluent Treatment Centre, an apprenticeship at Fraunhofer Umsicht in Germany, and consulting for NES Consult & Associates.

Tendai’s academic achievements include a course certificate in Energy Storage Systems from Stellenbosch University. He has published three articles and is fluent in English. Tendai’s commitment to sustainable energy is evident in his research focus, which includes the recovery of valuable composites from spent Li-ion batteries.

Education:
  • Doctor of Engineering: Chemical Engineering
    • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
    • Topic: Recovery of Valuable Co-Ni Composites from Spent Li-ion Battery Cathode (NMC 532) Leachates using Rotating Mesh Plate Potentiostatic Electrowinning for Closed Loop Recycling.
  • Master of Engineering: Chemical Engineering
    • Cape Peninsula University of Technology – Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa
    • Graduated with Summa Cum Laude.
    • Topic: Development of Fe/Cu/C/FeS composite electrodes for Ni-Fe batteries.
  • Bachelor of Technology – BTech: Chemical Engineering
    • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
    • Graduated with Cum Laude.
  • Course Certificate, Energy Storage Systems
    • Stellenbosch University – Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Research Focus:
  • Specialized in the Recovery of Valuable Co-Ni Composites from Spent Li-ion Battery Cathode Leachates.
  • Expertise in high-performance electrochemical technologies, including Li-ion, Ni-Fe, Electroplating, and Electrowinning.
  • Research and Development in renewable energy storage technologies such as fuel cells and vanadium redox flow batteries.
  • Conducted electrochemical performance tests on various battery technologies (Li-ion, Pb-acid & Ni-Fe).
  • Focus on water treatment, geo-polymers, and sustainable energy projects.
Professional Journey:
  • Current Position: Independent Consultant and PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering.
  • Research and Development Associate
    • Energy Storage Innovation and Effluent Treatment Centre (ESFTC) – UWC, Bellville, Western Cape
    • R&D of high-performance electrochemical technologies, operation of lithium-ion battery assembly plant, design and setup of pilot-scale projects.
  • Research Associate (Energy Storage Specialist)
    • Fraunhofer Umsicht: Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology, Oberhausen, Germany
    • Designing and construction of low-cost battery prototypes, R&D of conventional battery technologies.
  • Online STEM Tutor
    • Tutor.com, E-Platform
    • Tutoring algebra and chemistry.
  • Independent Consultant
    • NES Consult & Associates, Kuilsriver, Western Cape
    • Designing low-cost production processes, construction of pilot-scale setups.
  • Lecturing Assistant
    • Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, Western Cape
    • Tutoring and mentoring 4th year engineering modules.
  • Research Associate
    • uYilo Electric Mobility Programme, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
    • Conducting electrochemical performance tests on different battery technologies.
  • Residence Student Assistant
    • Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, Western Cape
    • Everyday management of a university residence.
  • Engineering Technician
    • Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Systems, Bellville, Western Cape
    • Design and construction of pilot-scale process setups, feasibility studies on various projects.
Honors & Awards:
  • Graduated with Summa Cum Laude (Master’s Degree).
  • Graduated with Cum Laude (Bachelor’s Degree).
Publications & Contributions:
  • Number of Publications: 3
  • Publication Top Noted:
  1. Recovery and Recycling of Valuable Metals from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis
    • Authors: T. Tawonezvi, M. Nomnqa, L. Petrik, B.J. Bladergroen
    • Published in: Energies, 2023, Volume 16, Issue 3, Page 1365
    • Type: Review Article
    • Access: Open access
    • Abstract: The document provides a comprehensive review and analysis of the recovery and recycling of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. The authors likely discuss various methods, technologies, and challenges associated with the recycling process.
    • Citations: 6
  2. Development of FeCux/FeS/Graphite Composite Electrode Materials for Iron-Based Alkaline Batteries
    • Authors: T. Tawonezvi, B.J. Bladergroen, J. John
    • Published in: International Journal of Electrochemical Science, 2020, Volume 15, Pages 12428–12446
    • Type: Research Article
    • Access: Open access
    • Abstract: This document focuses on the development of composite electrode materials, specifically FeCux/FeS/Graphite, for iron-based alkaline batteries. The authors likely present their research findings on the properties and performance of these electrode materials.
    • Citations: 3
Research Timeline:
  • 2014-01 – 2017-12: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.
  • 2018-01 – 2019-07: Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.
  • 2018-06 – Present: PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering.
  • 2018-08 – 2018-09: Research Associate at Fraunhofer Umsicht, Germany.
  • 2019-06 – 2019-12: Research Associate at uYilo Electric Mobility Programme, Port Elizabeth.
  • 2020-01 – 2020-06: Research Associate at ESFTC, UWC, Bellville.
  • 2020-01 – 2023-12: Independent Consultant (Part-Time) at NES Consult & Associates.
  • 2020-04 – 2021-04: Master’s Degree Topic: Development of Fe/Cu/C/FeS composite electrodes for Ni-Fe batteries.
  • 2020-01 – Present: Doctoral Research Topic: Recovery of Valuable Co-Ni Composites from Spent Li-ion Battery Cathode Leachates.