An Irish scientist has managed to turn a by-product of whiskey production into a sustainable car fuel.
Cork man professor Martin Tangney developed the fuel in conjunction with whiskey producers at the Biofuel Research Centre at Edinburgh Napier University.
The biofuel they developed, called biobutanol, has been shown to be just as effective as normal unleaded petrol and can be used in a standard motor without causing any damage and without the need for engine modifications.
According to reports in the Irish Independent, the results are the outcome of a two-year research project which aimed to find a use for the massive amounts of bi-product left over from Scotland’s €5billion whiskey industry.
“While some energy companies are growing crops specifically to generate biofuel, we are investigating excess materials such as whiskey by-products,” said Tangney.
“This is a more environmentally sustainable option and potentially offers new revenue on the back of one of Scotland and Ireland’s biggest industries. We’ve worked with some of the leading whiskey producers to develop the process.”
The Irishman has patented the process and has linked up with Diageo, owners of Guinness, with a view to developing a fuel from by-products used in its processes.
