CARS OF the future could be running on fuel made from the by-products of beer and whisky—thanks to research being carried out at the University of Abertay.

Researchers at the university’s School of Contemporary Sciences have been awarded a Carnegie Trust grant to investigate turning residues from brewing and distilling into biofuel.

The year-long project will look at new methods of turning spent grain into bioethanol—a more environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

Project leader Professor Graeme Walker said, “Scientists all over the world are trying to find a simple and cost-effective way to produce more biofuels from waste or low value products.

“Brazil and the USA have both been very successful in creating bioethanol from sugarcane and maize starch respectively.

“Between them these countries produce over 70% of global supplies.”

However, he noted that the methods used in these countries are open to criticism.

“In countries like Brazil, this may also threaten tropical forests, and perhaps cancel out any benefits from using biofuels,” he said.

“Our research will be looking at the far more complicated process of turning waste products from industry into bioethanol as an example of a second-generation biofuel.”