A new use for scotch whisky - one for the road and biofuel...

Scottish scientists develop whisky biofuelBy-products from distilling process could be used to power cars and even aviation, according to researchers in Edinburgh


(1138)Tweet this (566)Comments (27) Kirsty Scott guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 17 August 2010 17.01 BST Article history

Whisky is being used to develop a biofuel which gives 30% more power output than ethanol and could be available at petrol pumps within a few years



It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "one for the road". Whisky, the spirit that powers the Scottish economy, is being used to develop a new biofuel which could be available at petrol pumps in a few years.



Using samples from the Glenkinchie Distillery in East Lothian, researchers at Edinburgh Napier University have developed a method of producing biofuel from two main by-products of the whisky distilling process – "pot ale", the liquid from the copper stills, and "draff", the spent grains.



Copious quantities of both waste products are produced by the £4bn whisky industry each year, and the scientists say there is real potential for the biofuel, to be available at local garage forecourts alongside traditional fuels. It can be used in conventional cars without adapting their engines. The team also said it could be used to fuel planes and as the basis for chemicals such as acetone, an important solvent.

More here: http://www.guardian.co.nz/environment/2010/aug/17/whisky-biofuel-scotland

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