Dr JOHN TAULO

Professional Profile
John is a Sustainable and Renewable Energy Systems Engineer with hands on experience, administrative and leadership
skills. He has 24 years of work experience in public and private sectors with vast knowledge of both renewable and fossil
fuels. He is actively involved in training, research and community outreach programmes in renewable and sustainable
energy systems.

Date of Birth: 20th November 1970 Nationality: Malawian

Languages: English (fluent), Chichewa (fluent))
Countries of work experience: Malawi

Dr John Taulo – Research Fellow and Lecture in Sustainable Energy Systems

Qualifications
PhD Mechanical Engineering – Stellenbosch University – South Africa
Research Title: Multi-objective optimization tool for the Malawian tea industry with
sustainability considerations.

MSc. Sustainable Energy Engineering (University of Cape Town – South Africa).

Research Title: A study on utilization of small-scale hydropower for rural
electrification in Malawi

BSc. Mechanical Engineering – University of Malawi

Professional Career
2014 to date: Research Fellow & Lecturer – Malawi University of Science and Technology
Dr Taulo has initiated and implemented a number of development projects in energy in rural communities in
Malawi. He has been the Principal Investigator in a number of research projects in biomass, bioenergy and
solar photovoltaic community projects. In addition, Dr Taulo is experienced in capacity building at all levels
of society spanning from his work and involvement in civil society organisations working with both rural and
peri urban communities. At MUST, Dr Taulo has been responsible for providing leadership, direction and
control of activities of the research and development section through supervision of personnel and projects.
He has also been responsible for identifying potential areas of collaboration, working with Research Fellows
and senior colleagues across departments and faculties to manage the process of bringing together for
collaborative grant opportunities. As a lecturer, the main purpose of his job is to teach, carry out research,
consultancy and outreach activities, publish and provide guidance/mentorship to junior faculty and students.
Dr Taulo lectures solar energy, hydropower, bioenergy and research methods. He also supervises
undergraduate and postgraduate student’s research projects, both at University of Malawi and Malawi
University of Science and Technology. Dr Taulo is reviewer for several international peer-reviewed journals.

2004 - 2014: Deputy Director – Malawi Industrial Research and Technology Development Centre.
Dr Taulo worked as Deputy Director of Technical Services at the then Malawi Industrial Research and
Technology Development Centre. His key responsibilities included developing and implementing research
programmes within the Department with emphasis on Renewable Energy Systems, and Agricultural and Agro-
processing Machinery Design. In addition, he was responsible for developing linkages between the
Department and the Renewable Energy stakeholders in both industry and in academia. Dr Taulo was also
responsible for development of strategic work plans and budgetary activities for the research and development
division as well as coordinating and management of the Research and Development Division.

2000 - 2004: Malawi Industrial Research and Technology Development Centre

Dr Taulo worked as Senior Research Officer (Mechanical Engineering) responsible for industrial research,
technology development and dissemination. His key responsibilities included design development, fabrication
and supervision of technologies.

1996 - 1999: Cargill Malawi

Dr Taulo worked as Projects Engineer responsible for planning, tender documentation, evaluation of
machine installation projects; coordinating and supervision of project team during implementation of works;
implementation of environmental health, safety and maintenance programmes. In addition, Dr Taulo was
also responsible for procurement and monitoring of spare parts for oilseeds, rice and cotton plant and
machinery as well as condition monitoring of oilseed and cotton plant and machinery.

Selected Publications
1. Gondwe, K.J., Chiotha, S.S., Mkandawire, T., Zhu, X., Painuly, J., Taulo, J.L., (2017). An assessment of
crop residues as potential renewable energy source for cement industry in Malawi. Journal of Energy in
Southern Africa 28(4), 19-31.

2. Taulo, J.L., Sebitosi, A.B., (2016). Material and energy flow analysis of the Malawian tea industry.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 56, 1337-1350.

3. Taulo, J.L., Sebitosi, A.B., (2015). Energy supply in Malawi: Options and issues. Journal of Energy in
Southern Africa 26 (2), 19-32.
4. Madhlopa, A., Mgawi, R., Taulo, J.L. (2006). An experimental study of temperature stratification in
and integrated collector – storage water heater with two horizontal tanks. Solar Energy 80 (8), 989-1002.

REFERENCES:
Professor Kevin Bennett
Department of Mechanical
Engineering
University of Cape Town
Private Bag 7700, Rondebosch
Cape Town
Fax: +27 (021) 650 2830
E-mail :kevin.bennet@uct.ac za
Professor Ben Sebitosi
Department of Mechanical &
Mechatronic Engineering
Stellenbosch University
P/Bag X1,
Matieland Stellenbosch
Western Cape, South Africa
Mobile : +27 734987221
E-mail : sebitosi@sun.ac.za
Professor Albert Groenwold
Department of Mechanical &
Mechatronic Engineering
Stellenbosch University
P/Bag X1,
Matieland Stellenbosch
Western Cape, South Africa
Mobile : +27 21 808 4557
E-mail : albertg@sun.ac.za