UK funding for advanced biofuel demonstration projects

UK transport minister Norman Baker has announced millions of pounds worth of capital funding to enable the construction of demonstration-scale waste-to-fuel, and other advanced, biofuel plants within the country.

The £25 million will be used to underpin private sector investment in the sector in order to drive the development of the UK’s biofuel industry.

‘It is clear that in the long-term advanced biofuels will be important in areas that we cannot otherwise decarbonise, such as aviation. This will help put the UK in a good position to meet this demand,’ says Baker. ‘There are opportunities for the UK to take a technological lead to drive growth, create jobs and other energy, security and environmental benefits.’

The funding will be provided over three years from 2015 following a competition to identify the best and most suitable industry proposals.

The Department for Transport will commission a feasibility study to report on the detailed design of the proposed competition including eligibility criteria and funding scheme options, as well as ensuring the project complies with EU State aid rules.  

‘Advanced biofuels have the potential to make a sustainable contribution to our 2020 renewable energy targets, as well as to our longer term decarbonisation targets,’ adds energy and climate change minister Ed Davey. ‘This funding will give the industry the boost it needs to develop this low carbon market.’