Korean professor delivers bioenergy lecture at MMSU
By Stephanie Camille Ilar
Following the success of its first edition, the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC) Straight Direct Talk launched its second edition on January 9 at the NBERIC Auditorium, featuring Dr. Hyungseok Nam from South Korea.
Dr. Nam, an Associate Professor from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Kyungpook National University (KNU), delivered a lecture on the biological and thermochemical conversion of biomass. He shared his extensive research experience and projects with students and faculty of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU).
He presented his ongoing research efforts with the Korean Institute of Energy Research, particularly on thermochemical conversion of waste and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies.
He emphasized the concept of “using waste as a resource,” explaining how materials such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), biomass, and plastics can be transformed into energy carriers through thermochemical processes.
The lecture also explored key thermochemical conversion technologies—pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion—comparing their advantages, limitations, and environmental impacts. Dr. Nam further shared research experiences on waste gasification involving dairy manure, municipal solid waste, plastics, and electronic waste.
MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. encouraged participants to translate their insights from the lecture into research proposals. He likewise expressed the university’s support for both faculty and student researchers in the conduct and publication of their studies.
Students from the mechanical, agricultural and biosystems, and chemical engineering programs participated in the session. Vice presidents Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog and Dr. Bjorn Santos were also present at the event.
“Through initiatives like this, we aim to reach international expertise with local realities, ensuring that knowledge does not remain distant, but becomes accessible, relevant, and actionable for our community,” said NBERIC Director James Paul Madigal, on advancing sustainability initiatives.
In closing, Dr. Nam shared a potential for collaborative research between Korea and the Philippines, particularly in the areas of waste-derived thermochemical conversion technologies and energy supply solutions for rural and island communities, such as those in Ilocos Norte.
Jan, 12, 2026 08:27:am
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