I investigate the efficient use of silicon-rich agricultural residues in Africa for bioenergy and material applications. My current research focuses on the chemical pretreatment of biomass residues from food production and their combustion characteristics for combined heat and power production. Furthermore, material use of biogenic silica is considered. This comprehensive and innovative approach addresses aspects of climate change (i.e., climate neutral energy provision), the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production (i.e., use of residues, circular economy), soil degradation (i.e., biogenic fertilizer), and new transformation processes of agricultural production (i.e., new value chains). Therefore, my work is highly relevant as an initial step towards the efficient use of agricultural resources in Africa and for DBFZ, as it allows enhancing one of the Core Research Topics (Smart Biomass Heat) with essential input.