Napier University has launched the Biofuel Research Centre (BfRC) to find sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based energy.
The BfRC, the first of its kind in the UK and led by Dr Martin Tangney, is committed to researching and developing second-generation biofuel from a potentially diverse range of non-food crops and waste matter.
As an expert in the biological production of butanol, Dr Tangney has already secured £500,000 in research funding to study biofuel and is establishing the centre to act as a portal between industry, government, academia and the public; giving accurate and consistent messages across all relevant parties.
Martin said: “We are delighted with the support we have already been given. A number of influencers are attending the launch, many of whom have already engaged with the centre.”
The UK Road Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO) requires five per cent of all UK fuel sold on UK forecourts to come from a renewable source by 2010, while the EU Biofuels Directive sets “reference values” of a 5.75 per cent market share for biofuel.
David Cairns, Minister of State at the Scotland Office, will be speaking at the launch today. He said: "While the global production of biofuels is doubling every few years, there have been negative impacts on biodiversity, food prices and carbon emissions as land has been inappropriately cleared to plant first-generation crops. There are already innovative projects in Scotland trialling biofuels from more sustainable sources than food crops such as waste material, but of course more research and development needs to be done. I am therefore delighted to be at the launch of this innovative centre today and to hear more about its work programme which has already attracted interest from around the world."
Jim Mathers, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism at Scottish Government has also shown his support for the project. He said: "The Scottish Government believes renewable energy will give us a vibrant energy sector that makes a significant contribution to Scotland's future wealth and prosperity.
"We are also exploring how we can best exploit technologies to make a real, sustainable and cost-effective contribution to tackling climate change, including the role of biofuels. I wish everyone at Napier University's Biofuel Research Centre success in researching and developing second-generation biofuel."
Dr Andrew Rickman OBE, Chairman of Green Biologics, will officially open the centre, he said: “Industry is calling for legislation that will clarify the issues surrounding biofuel and the centre will hopefully help to achieve this.”
Professor Joan Stringer, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of Napier University, said: “Sustainability is a hugely relevant issue and one of Napier’s highest priorities. The opening of this centre not only shows our commitment to this, but also our dedication to lead new areas of research, in line with our vision to become Scotland’s best modern university.”
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