In a historic move for African academia, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sustainalutions to transform municipal sewage sludge into renewable energy and high-grade organic fertiliser.
Signed on February 2, 2026, this partnership marks the first time an African university has led a demonstration project focused on Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) technology—a globally proven solution now being tailored for local impact.
The Vision: Solving the “Hidden Crisis”
For decades, sewage sludge has been an expensive, hazardous liability for South African municipalities. This new initiative aims to flip the script, treating waste as a “net-positive asset.”
- The Technology: Utilizing Cambi’s high-temperature, high-pressure treatment, the process sanitizes sludge before anaerobic digestion.
- The Output: The system significantly boosts biogas yields for electricity generation and produces Class A pathogen-free biosolids, which serve as affordable, commercial-grade organic fertiliser.
- The Impact: A small-scale plant can generate roughly 7 GWh of electricity and 9,000 tonnes of fertiliser annually—a game-changer for the Eastern Cape’s agricultural sector.
A Regional Scientific Anchor
NMU is not merely a signatory; it is the scientific architect of the project. The University will lead:
- Agronomic Studies: Testing the biofertiliser on local crops like pineapples (the Eastern Cape produces 82% of SA’s supply).
- Techno-Economic Feasibility: Modeling how these systems can lower municipal expenditures and stabilize local power grids.
- Collaborative Analysis: Partnering with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for specialist laboratory support and eNtsa for local engineering solutions.
“By signing this MoU, we are signing for impact—socio-economic and environmental. We are fulfilling our mission of being an institution in service of society. Ubuntu is in our DNA.” — Professor Azwinndini Muronga, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Internationalisation.
Strategic Importance for the Eastern Cape
With the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality officially backing the project, the collaboration addresses immediate infrastructure failings. Executive Director of Infrastructure, Joseph Tsatsire, noted that the city requires these specific innovations to build community resilience and environmental stewardship.
Professor Hendrik Lloyd added that the project aligns perfectly with Circular Economy principles and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, ensuring that the research translates directly into “Social Agrizones” and jobs for emerging farmers.
