Scottish scientists develop whisky biofuel

Scientists from a university in Scotland have developed a biofuel made from whisky by-products, according to reports.

Experts from the biofuel research centre at Edinburgh Napier University spent two years working on the new fuel. The project was backed by Scottish Enterprise's Proof of Concept programme, which provided £260,000 of funding.

BBC News report that scientists received samples of whisky distilling by-products from Diageo's Glenkinchie Distillery in Edinburgh. This enabled them to develop 'biobutanol', a biofuel that generates 30% more power than ethanol.

According to the Scotsman, the new fuel could be available on petrol station forecourts in as little as two years' time. Potential car buyers do not need to shell out huge amounts on a new vehicle to benefit from biobutanol; the superfuel works on current models without the need for costly vehicle modifications.

The fuel comes about thanks to the two major by-products of the whisky production process. These are 'pot ale' - the liquid from copper stills - and 'draff', which are the spent grains. These combine to produce butanol, which can be used as fuel.

It is hoped that the new fuel may eventually replace traditional petrol and make ordinary cars more sustainable. Professor Martin Tangney, who leads the research team, explained why new fuels such as biobutanol are so important.

"Oil won't last forever so we have to find alternative ways of powering vehicles", he told the Scotsman.

Environmental charity WWF have welcomed the new fuel. WWF Scotland director Dr Richard Dixon told reporters: "it would be great if the  industry could help Scotland reduce its emissions from road transport."

 

Mark Prior, Gloucester, AUDI A8 SPORT QUATTRO

Chris & Clare Beddoes, Worcester, Chevrolet Kalos