Scotland’s biofuels industry is set for a £500K cash boost as plans to increase support for firms across the country are unveiled.
The Scottish biofuel programme, launched two years ago to encourage small and medium sized firms to take up biofuels, is for the government cash injection to drive further research.
The programme, led by Napier University, offers consultation on waste disposal, resources and using biofuels, with the support of green energy firms.
The scheme has secured a further £466,156, with £306,155 will come directly from the Scottish Government and £160,000 from Zero Waste Scotland.
“This money allows us to continue to build and expand on the tremendous work of the programme, which is about encouraging businesses to get creative with their waste,” said Professor Martin Tangney, director of Napier’s biofuel research centre.
“We are mandated to produce sustainable biofuel and also to reduce waste, but what one company may see as a waste product could be a useful biofuel resource to another, and, crucially, it may also mean a new revenue stream.
“We know all too well that oil is a finite resource that needs to be replaced as a source of energy. At the same time, the threat of global warming has increased the importance of research into sustainable biofuels.
“Part of the solution to those huge challenges will be implementing new biomass disposal solutions, which will not only have an impact on Scottish businesses’ financial health, but also reduce the impact on the environment.”
The project links together a number of organisations, including Abertay and Edinburgh University and the Scottish Association for Marine Science.
Scots energy minister Fergus Ewing said the investment showed Holyrood’s commitment to green energy projects.
“This is testament to the fact that biofuels have an important contribution to make in several areas – from helping to decarbonise Scotland’s transport sector and improve local air quality; to providing a domestically-produced alternative energy source to oil for a range of uses.
“Their development and manufacture in Scotland helps our economy to flourish and makes great use of our skilled workforce and world-leading academic institutions.”
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