Usisipho Gogela

Usisipho Gogela holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Chemical Engineering) from the University of Cape Town, and a Master of Science in Innovative and Sustainable Chemical Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Usisipho worked as an energy analyst, developing a business case for biogas projects in the Western Cape. This work consisted of analysing the factors affecting the technoeconomic feasibility of biogas projects. For this, Usisipho performed technical work investigating the waste and energy policy landscape, availability and energy potential of feedstocks, and gathering and synthesising local and international capital and operating costs. This was used to create a financial tool to analyse the feasibility of biogas projects.

During his MSc studies, Usisipho focused on topics such as: sustainable energy, industrial energy systems, waste management, stakeholder engagement, project management, and sustainability transitions, among others. For his thesis, he focused on sustainability transitions within the energy sector. This work entailed analysis of the Technological Innovation System (TIS) dynamics of the solar photovoltaic (PV) sector in Västra Götaland, Sweden.

During his time at the ESRG, Usisipho has successfully completed training in the use of the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS), a tool used for long term energy systems planning. Furthermore, he has worked on several projects focused on climate change mitigation within the energy sector. This work entailed analysing greenhouse gas emissions inventories, identifying relevant policy, engaging with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change legal frameworks, and interpreting energy system model results.