Strengths for the Award
Academic and Professional Background: Zimasa holds an MSc in Maritime Affairs, specializing in Maritime Energy Management, making her the first South African female in this field. She is pursuing a Ph.D. focused on the Just Energy Transition, which is a crucial and timely research area globally. Her achievements, such as being one of the top four female achievers in the Open Africa Power Programme, underscore her leadership and excellence in the energy sector.
Research and Innovations: Her focus on renewable energy, green hydrogen, and decarbonizing energy sources aligns perfectly with the current global agenda for sustainable energy solutions. She has published research in the prestigious journal Energies and has engaged in teaching at the university level, contributing to academia.
Professional Contributions: Zimasa is deeply involved in the renewable energy sector, with expertise in logistics and supply chain management for South African Wind and Solar Farms. Her guest lectures help shape the next generation of energy professionals.
Areas for Improvement
Research Output: While Zimasa has made significant contributions, her research output is still in the early stages, with only one completed research project and one ongoing. For the Best Researcher Award, a broader array of published works or patents could further solidify her standing.
Collaborations and Consultancy: Although she has some collaborations, expanding her consultancy work and collaborations with more international research groups or industries would enhance her portfolio for the award.
Education 🎓
MSc in Maritime Affairs, World Maritime University, Sweden (specialization in Maritime Energy Management)
Ph.D. candidate with research focusing on the Just Energy Transition in coastal communities, Nelson Mandela Bay
Experience 💼
Zimasa Macingwane is an experienced Planner and Logistics Manager with a strong background in the renewable energy sector. She has worked extensively in the transport, logistics, and supply chain industries, with a particular focus on South African wind and solar farms. Her experience includes engaging with Italy’s leading clean energy specialists through the Open Africa Power Programme.
Research Interest 🔬
Her research interests center on renewable energy, green hydrogen, and the Just Energy Transition. Zimasa is dedicated to decarbonizing energy sources and exploring innovative solutions like wave energy, hydrogen production, and ammonia as future shipping fuels.
Awards 🏆
In 2022, Zimasa was one of the top four female achievers in the Open Africa Power Programme. This achievement exposed her to advanced energy technologies in Italy and provided an opportunity to engage directly with the country’s clean energy specialists.
Publication Top Notes 📚
Wave energy a new energy mix to produce green hydrogen: a potential future maritime shipping fuel: a study on the Port of Ngqura, Southern Africa’s” Green Status Port”
Techno-Economic Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production as Maritime Fuel from Wave Energy
Conclusion
Zimasa Macingwane shows tremendous potential for the “Best Researcher Award” based on her groundbreaking research in renewable energy and green hydrogen. Her leadership and focus on decarbonizing energy through innovative solutions are exemplary. However, enhancing her research portfolio and collaborations would further strengthen her candidacy.