A chemical and oil-product manufacturer claims that within two years it will commercially produce and supply a bio-ethanol fuel made from household rubbish.
INEOS, the world’s third largest chemical company, says its technology could reduce automotive-induced greenhouse gases by 90 per cent, while helping to solve the problem of growing landfill sites.
The bio-ethanol will be made from municipal, commercial and agricultural waste, as opposed to crop bios, which are contributing to global food shortages and the spiralling price of food.
Bio-ethanol can either be mixed with traditional fuels or replace them altogether. One tonne of dry waste can produce 400 litres of the fuel, according to the company.
Peter Williams, INEOS bio CEO, expects bio-ethanol to replace at least 10 per cent of petrol and diesel in Europe and North America in the coming years. “The fact that we have been able to decouple a second generation biofuel from food is a major breakthrough, and we expect our technology to provide cost competitive, sustainable, renewable fuels,” he said, before promising an imminent announcement on the location for the firm’s first commercial plant.
