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Bio-fuels are an important element in our move away from dependency on petrochemicals, but growing crops specifically for fuel is in itself unsustainable and unacceptable. In many cases, huge swathes of land which should be providing food for marginalised communities in third world countries has been given over to producing biofuels for the developed world, often leading to famine and increased poverty.
The news that researchers at Edinburgh Napier University have just filed a patent for a new biofuel made from whisky by-products is another excellent step forward. And, of course, most appropriate that the development is in Scotland, a country renowned for its production of excellent whiskies and one of its biggest industries.
The scientists claim that the fuel can be used without any adaptation and that it is 30% more effective than ethanol.
This development will help the UK reach its 20% cut in overall emissions, together with its commitment to producing 10% of transport energy from biofuels under the European Renewable Energy directive.
Find out more about butanol, the new biofuel HERE
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