Southampton researchers selected to find formula for algae biofuel
The Carbon Trust has selected researchers from the University of Southampton to join a ‘UK dream team’ of top scientists to find world-beating formula for algae biofuel.
The Carbon Trust has announced plans to take on the world in the global race to develop a sustainable, cost-effective biofuel from algae.
The 'dream team' comprises 12 leading UK teams who will work together with the Carbon Trust to find a winning formula for cultivating 70 billion litres of algae biofuel a year by 2030. This will provide the equivalent of six per cent of global road transport diesel and a saving of over 160 million tonnes of CO2 every year. The teams were selected from over 80 initial proposals following an extensive competition and detailed assessment process.
Gail Taylor, Professor of Plant Biology at the University of Southampton, says: 'This fantastic opportunity represents an investment of over £1.25m for the University of Southampton to kick-start two projects researching the sustainable fuel of the future. It recognises the University’s broad range of world-class research from across biology, oceanography, engineering and environment, which are drawn together in our Multi-Disciplinary Energy Research Group.'
Launching Europe’s most significant public initiative into algae biofuels, Tom Delay chief executive of the Carbon Trust, says: 'We have pulled together a dream team of over 70 UK algae scientists who have the expert knowledge to turn algae into a British biofuel success story. Applying principles this country has developed from its proud agricultural heritage and leading bioscience expertise we will be developing a truly sustainable biofuel that could provide up to 80 per cent carbon savings compared to diesel savings in car and jet fuel. With a market value of over £15 billion the potential rewards are high.'
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Content added on 19th April 2010.
