Biofuels Project

In a joint project with Re-Jig we explored the potential to convert distillery by-products into biobutanol and assess any associated implications for Islay. This work was in conjunction with Celtic Renewables Ltd and Napier University. 

Scientists at the Biofuels Research Centre (BRC) at Napier University have discovered a unique new method of producing biobutanol using the whisky by-products, draff and pot-ale. This is done using a well-established fermentation process known as ABE fermentation, but what makes BRC’s work so pioneering is the use of industrial by-products as a feedstock instead of raw materials. Biobutanol is considered a superior biofuel which can be blended into conventional fuels with no vehicle modifications required, reducing both carbon emissions and the need for fossil fuels.

After successful lab based trials, BRC announced they were now working on a second phase industrial scale pilot plant using the by-products from Tullibardine Distillery in Perthshire, systematically scaling up to 10,000 litre batches.