Advanced Virtual Biofuels Hub for the East of England

Renewables East (RE) is the renewable energy agency for the East of England, core‐funded by the East of England Development Agency, EEDA. Established as a not‐for‐profit company in 2003 by EEDA, RE has a unique role, with a remit to assist the region achieve the renewable energy targets set by the East of England Regional Assembly and, as important, to promote economic returns from renewable energy, in this case biofuels (both gaseous and liquid).

RE have promoted sustainable biofuels for some time and first organised a biofuels conference in early 2006 attracting over 300 delegates. Since then RE became involved with the UK launch of E85 by Morrisons and Saab’s BioPower car. This subsequently led to involvement with Lotus who themselves have developed a tri‐fuel Elise.

RE also brought together the British BioAlcohols Group, BBAG, based around the Norwich Research Park. The aim of this Group is contribute to the development of advanced generation biofuels using whole and different crops, organic residues and algae. Economic return would be in the IP associated with such work.

As well as the development of biofuels, naturally there are issues for the automotive sector given new fuels, new blends, combustion performance in engines, possible wear/corrosion effects and any repercussions for emissions.

RE have received funding from EEDA to develop a ‘Virtual Advanced Biofuels Hub’ for the region. This would help ‘link’ researchers in academia and industry, particularly the automotive sector. The Hub would initially be a database with web‐portal, accessible by interested parties with a support team to form a personal link and promote partnerships. As well as providing an opportunity for people to indicate general areas of research there would also be access to latest research from around the world via feedback from conferences and other databases. The Hub could stimulate combined research bids for funding etc.

The recent Gallagher Report on Biofuels for government suggested a specific Fuel Obligation for ‘advanced biofuels’ from 2015 with the intention that this would promote more UK research in this area. RE agrees with this and would like to have the East of England in the forefront of this work. RE feels that there appears to be little contact between academics (and industry) at various locations that could potentially be working in similar fields. The Hub could identify potential synergies and hence take forward research at an advanced rate. There also appears to be little linkage through to and within industry and the automotive sector. We feel certain that there could also be areas of common interests - subject of course to business confidentiality.

Participation in the Advanced Biofuels Hub involves no financial cost. RE are also reviewing the potential for a regional biofuels seminar and support towards attendance
at some biofuels conferences.

I would welcome feedback and contact with anyone interested in the Hub.

Please follow this link for information on the Bio Fuels East Launch Event.

Richard Parker, Development Director - Bioenergy
richardparker@renewableseast.org.uk