Whisky Biofuel Could Launch Biobutanol Production

Scottish researchers have developed a whisky-based biofuel capable of being used by motor vehicles without the need for specialised adaption.

The whisky biofuel is being touted as a potential car and aircraft power source and it could be available for use within the coming decade.

The researchers involved are based at Edinburgh Napier University and their biobutanol utilises the two principal by-products that remain once whisky has been distilled: ‘draff’ and ‘pot ale’.

The Scottish whisky industry is massive – it generates £4bn per annum – and therefore both materials are available in abundance: 187,000 tonnes of draff and 1,600m litres of pot ale are produced every 12 months.

Biobutanol

This biobutanol presents several advantages over other alternative fuel types. It is up to 30 per cent more efficient than ethanol-based biofuels, reduced corrosiveness aids with transportation and storage and – unlike ethanol – it can form part of diesel/biodiesel blends.

The process is closely-related to a technique used in the early 20th century in which sugar was fermented to create acetone and butanol (so-called Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol fermentation).

From here onwards, the researchers intend to patent the biobutanol and are looking to establish a sub-stranded company responsible for handling the product’s anticipated future commercial growth.

Whisky Biofuel

“The EU has declared that biofuels should account for 10 per cent of total fuel sales by 2020”, head researcher involved in developing the whisky biofuel, Professor Martin Tangney, explained.

“While some energy companies are growing crops specifically to generate biofuel, we are investigating excess materials such as whisky by-products to develop them. This is a more environmentally sustainable option and potentially offers new revenue on the back of one of Scotland's biggest industries.”

Enviro News will present further coverage of this product in future New Items.

See also:

Jatophra Biofuel Experiment Takes Place in Space

Tobacco to Create Energy Efficient Biofuels