SUMMARY

The energy crisis and proper waste disposal are two major challenges facing most nations. With the increasing demand for clean and affordable energy that is environmentally friendly, production from renewable resources is the way of the future. South Africa, like most countries, is over-dependent on fossil fuels like coal and crude oil but the classifications that are used to produce bioenergy can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. The use of fossil fuels accumulates GHG in excess of what the cycle of the individual gases (NOx, CO2) can accommodate. Biofuels have more friendly emission properties for both man and the environment. Agricultural biomass, food waste, wastewater and algae have demonstrated potential as starting blocks for high-value hydrocarbons and biofuels. In South Africa, several industries produce millions of cubic metres of wastewater