Five-year biofuel analysis mission begins in Nordic countries

The Nordic countries' Top Research Initiative is a five-year mission covering issues such as biofuel analysis, energy production, environmental concerns and climate change.

In the biofuel analysis strand, which operates under the heading of Sustainable Biofuels, research relating to the processing of raw materials is assessed for its potential in mass production.

Lulea University of Technology (LTU) in Sweden is working in this area, modelling gasification processes and characterising biomass behaviour while it is undergoing the procedure.

In all, €50 million (£43 million) has been allocated to the Top Research Initiative.

Marcus Ohman, professor in LTU's department of energy engineering, calls the scheme "a strategically important project that strengthens the ongoing efforts within [collaborating institutions] LTU, the Energy Technology Center, Solander Science Park and Bio4Energy".

LTU's main focuses of research are in five strands comprising wood, internet mobility, development of products over a distance, remote health and medical care, and mining and mineral technology.