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

  • Powered up for low emissions
    October 14, 2015
    The evolution of the diesel engine continues as ever more sophisticated technologies come into use - Mike Woof writes A major focus for diesel engine suppliers is for the development of low emission technologies. Tough regulations are in force in North America and Europe with regard to emissions, a programme introduced to help reduce pollution from off-highway machines. These technologies are also being introduced in stages in other territories, with China now rolling out tougher regulations.
  • Engine innovation for diesels and electrics
    October 2, 2018
    Engine firms continue to develop new power solutions and refine existing technologies - Mike Woof writes There has been strong pressure against internal combustion engines worldwide, with the scandal over the emissions from diesel powered private cars has strengthening opinion against these engines. Diesel engine firms are taking the long view by offering future power options such as alternative fuels and electric systems. The engine builders are also hard at work ensuring that power units for the indust
  • CET opens new laboratory to service UK’s infrastructure projects
    October 23, 2017
    With over £300 billion of investment in infrastructure planned over the next four years in the UK, materials testing firm CET is gearing up to service a lot more projects – Kristina Smith visited the newest laboratory near Heathrow to find out more. The CET Group has ambitious plans. Over the next four years it wants to double the size of its business, which in the last year turned over £27 million. “There’s a lot of positivity out there,” said Gary Corrigan, managing director of the group’s infrastructu
  • Liebherr offering low emission engine technology
    March 7, 2016
    Liebherr’s innovative SCRFilter is a sophisticated exhaust-gas-aftertreatment system for diesel engines designed to meet Europe’s coming stage V requirements. This compact system combines SCR catalytic converter and particulate filter, using proven technology already tested in machines for tunnel construction. The exhaust-gas-aftertreatment system forms part of the modular Liebherr engine concept for every emission standard and offers long service intervals of over 4,500 hours.