Development of sustainable ‘biofuels’ for use in vehicles received a boost this week after £25M of Department for Transport money was shared out among three UK small to medium sized enterprises.
 
The funding will go towards new premises and technology for each of the successful projects, aimed at turning waste products that would otherwise be disposed of into low carbon fuels for cars and lorries.
 
Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “Biofuels have an important role to play in keeping Britain moving forward in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. This £25M is not only a vital investment in technology that will help secure a greener future but will also support the creation of thousands of jobs.”
 
Edinburgh based Celtic Renewables will receive £11M to support development of fuel from Scotch whisky by-products. A further £11M has been awarded to Advanced Plasma Power, of Swindon, which will make biofuels from ordinary household waste. The remaining £3M goes to Teeside firm Nova Pangaea Technologies, which specialises in creating fuel from forestry waste.
 
“Advanced biofuels have the potential to save at least 60% of the greenhouse gas emissions from the equivalent fossil fuel,” the Transport Minister added.
 
Mr Jones (pictured) visited Celtic Renewables to mark the award of funding. The company’s founding professor Martin Tangney said: “This funding from the Department for Transport is transformational for us and will underpin the development of a brand new innovative industry in the UK.”

Photo courtesy of Department for Transport