Johannes Van der Watt

Biography

Johannes (Hannes) van der Watt's passion for sustainable processing technologies drives him to transform renewable and fossil resources into heat, power, chemicals, and tailored products that align with market demands. He explores new frontiers through laboratory- and pilot-scale testing, employing novel experimental designs fueled by his love for process development.

In addition to his experimentalist background, Hannes also serves as a project manager and technical writer within UND's Emergy & Minerals Innovation Center. His research focuses on two paramount fronts: 1) hydrogen production, harnessing the potential of both renewable and fossil resources, and 2) carbon dioxide capture through mineralization, an approach with immense positive environmental and economic benefits. Furthermore, he spearheads the development of an innovative strategy for waste coal remediation, generating power through a unique repowering setup that utilizes biogas and waste coal.

Hannes also assumes the role of part-time lecturer teaching the fascinating subjects of intermediate thermodynamics (ME 342) and air pollution control (CHE 404/504).