Skip to main content

Innovative project for producing fuel from microbes

An innovative project in the UK is aimed at replicating photosynthesis in a bid to produce biofuels. This project is being carried out by a team at the University of East Anglia (UEA), with assistance from the University of Cambridge and the University of Leeds. The intention is to find a simple and efficient process for producing hydrogen, with funding coming from the UK’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences research council. The hydrogen produced using this technology then be used either as a fuel for i
January 23, 2013 Read time: 1 min
An innovative project in the UK is aimed at replicating photosynthesis in a bid to produce biofuels. This project is being carried out by a team at the University of East Anglia (UEA), with assistance from the University of Cambridge and the University of Leeds. The intention is to find a simple and efficient process for producing hydrogen, with funding coming from the UK’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences research council. The hydrogen produced using this technology then be used either as a fuel for internal combustion engine cars or for vehicles with fuel cells. The process is complex and requires fitting micro solar energy converters onto microbes and extensive research will be required before it will be ready for field trials.

Related Content

  • Innovative asphalt paving technology is coming to market from Vögele
    February 13, 2013
    From Vögele comes a new range of pavers in the shape of its latest generation machines, which are said to offer higher performance productivity and finish quality, along with lower emissions and running costs. The new machines being offered are the 1900-3, 1300-3 and 1100-3 tracked pavers, as well as the 1303-3 and 1103-3 wheeled pavers and these come in addition to the existing 2100-3, with the 1600-3 and 1800-3 also due shortly.
  • UV lining is highway drainage first for UK motorway upgrade
    December 19, 2017
    Drainage specialist Lanes Group is implementing the first project to extensively line highway drainage pipes as part of a Smart Motorway initiative in the UK. Lanes has been commissioned by the Carillion Kier Joint Venture working for Highways England to install ultra-violet – UV - liners during the M6 Junction 16-19 Smart Motorway scheme between Crewe and Knutsford, in county Cheshire. Lanes said that it is the first time that roadside drainage pipes will have been extensively lined, instead of being
  • Innovative solutions to earthmoving needs
    January 3, 2013
    Several manufacturers are offering improved earthmoving machines, with more to come - Mike Woof reports. One of the most notable developments comes from Caterpillar, with the unveiling of a hybrid excavator in the shape of its 336E H model. The machine is having its public launch at the bauma exhibition in Spring 2013 and will start rolling out of the factory in March 2013, while customers will be able to place orders from February 2013. Unlike other hybrid excavators on the market at present, the Cat 336E
  • Better asset management will reduce costs and improve efficiency
    August 22, 2013
    The FEHRL Infrastructure Research Meeting 2013 (FIRM 2013) raised key issues in transport innovation The key theme for FIRM 13 was advanced and innovative construction and maintenance, highlighting the importance of efficient asset management. Infravation, or infrastructure innovation, was another focus area for the event. Joris Al, FEHRL president said, “We aim to bring interested parties together. We’ve decided to build on existing knowledge rather than starting with front edge technologies and working