Irish group makes biofuel breakthrough

An Irish team of researchers has made a breakthrough in converting algae into biofuel which can be used in cars.

New sources of biofuel are being researched as concerns have grown around biofuels made from crops. Biofuels derived from crops such as grain or oilseed have fallen out of favour due to concerns that they are pushing up food costs.
Irish biofuels company AER and the National University of Ireland in Galway (NUIG) have developed the new technology, which converts algae to commercially-viable transport fuel. Enterprise Ireland co-funded the research and development work.

John Travers, chief executive of AER, said that next-generation biofuels, would play a key part in meeting future energy needs in a sustainable way, without competing with food. AER got involved with the NUIG team, which is led by D r Patrick Murray, about 18 months ago.

‘‘There is still some additional development to be done but I guess the most important part of the puzzle has been solved in that we’ve proven the ability to convert it,” said Travers.

‘‘Ireland’s coastline provides prolific growth of more than 500 species of algae, and certain microalgae can double in mass within a few days, under the right conditions,” said Travers.

Sunday Business Post