EU and Latin America target sustainable diesel biofuel production
A team of EU-funded researchers is determined to tackle the problem of waning fossil fuel resources by developing new technologies that will enable the sustainable production of diesel miscible biofuels (DMB) from wastes in Europe and Latin America. The project partners are targeting the use of residues that do not need dedicated land, thus easing any 'fuel versus food' disputes that emerge. The DIBANET ('The production of sustainable diesel-miscible-biofuels from the residues and wastes of Europe and Latin America') project has received EUR 3.73 million under the 'Energy' Theme of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). Led by the University of Limerick in Ireland, the DIBANET consortium is composed of partners from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Greece, Hungary and the UK. The UK partner, Bioenergy Research Group (BERG) at Aston University, is responsible for transforming organic residues from biofuel production processes into a renewable biofuel that can curb the regions' dependence on fossil diesel imports. 'We want to create a sustainable biofuel, which meets industry regulations, is capable of being mixed with fossil diesel, and can be used in a regular diesel engine,' explained Professor Tony Bridgwater, who is coordinating the project at Aston University. 'First generation biofuels made from foodstuffs such as sugar, corn and wheat have low yields and compete with traditional food,' he added. 'This project is based on second generation products from whole biomass with higher yields and which do not compete with food. In particular, we will be processing the residues from these processes which will further improve performance and minimise waste disposal.' The team is determined to forge an international partnership between experts and researchers that will improve the biofuel technologies that currently exist. 'This will help to pave the way for large-scale biofuel production by 2020, in a way that doesn't impact on land usage and similarly helps solve the problems of growing amounts of organic waste,' said Professor Bridgwater. The results of this project, which will include improved processes for the use of solid residue remaining after the treatment of levulinic acid (an important organic compound that when used in combination with ethanol can make diesel fuel), will contribute to Europe's quest to generate and use biofuels within the next 10 years. Under its Energy Policy for Europe, the European Commission has proposed a 10% binding minimum target for biofuels by 2020. Moreover, the EU seeks a 20% cut on greenhouse gas emissions, and a 20% hike on the share of renewable energies in energy consumption by 2020. As regards cooperation, the DIBANET project will fuel research ties between Europe and Latin America and facilitate knowledge transfer. Also, a scholarship scheme has been established allowing PhD and post doctoral researchers to carry out biofuel production.
Countries
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, United Kingdom