Scotch tape in the gas tank

The Scots have tested biofuels based on whiskey

Denis Strigun, Naked Science

The Scottish company Celtic Renewables has started testing automotive fuel based on whiskey production waste.

The relevance of developments in the field of renewable energy is determined by global warming, resource depletion and ecosystem protection. Such fuels should be relatively safe and affordable, therefore plant materials and processed products are often considered as raw materials for them. For example, earlier scientists showed technologies for the production of biofuels from wheat, sewage and chicken manure. In 2016, it became known that the American company Alaska Airways may soon begin operating alcohol-based jet fuel. The corresponding permit had to be issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the USA.

The formation of alcohols – butanol and ethanol – involves most methods of manufacturing such fuels. Since 2007, the first one has been produced in the UK as an admixture to traditional types of fuel. The Celtic Renewables concept, in turn, provides for the production of biofuels only from biobutanol. In this case, the source of the substance is fermentation of barda, a waste product of the production of ethyl alcohol, in particular whiskey. In many countries, the disposal of such residues into sewers and reservoirs without preliminary processing is prohibited, at the same time, due to the high content of nutrients, they are often used in animal husbandry – in the manufacture of feed.

According to statistics, the annual production of barda in Scotland is about two billion liters. The company believes that this will ensure high availability of raw materials and, as a result, a relatively low cost of biofuels (the exact price is not disclosed). It is known that Celtic Renewables intends to conclude relevant agreements with suppliers and has already received a grant of nine million pounds from the authorities for the construction of a demonstrator plant. According to the project, it will be located in the city of Grangemouth, construction is planned to be completed by 2019. The capacities will be designed for pilot fuel production and can be expanded in case of successful tests.

It is not reported which car is involved in the biobutanol tests. The picture published in the press release shows a Ford Focus. Meanwhile, according to the BBC, preliminary tests of the first car fueled with such fuel have already been carried out and ended successfully. The reporter of the organization also took part in the event and noted that subjectively the course of the vehicle did not differ from the vehicles on conventional fuel. Celtic Renewable founder Martin Tangney, in turn, added that the creation of biofuels based on whiskey is a landmark for Scotland. In the future, the project can be implemented in other beverage producing countries - the USA, Japan and India.

Biobutanol tests are reported on the company's website (World's first car to be fueled by whisky residue biofuel takes its inaugural journey).

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru  13.07.2017