Funding to support Norwegian biofuel testing

Biofuel testing being carried out by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology is to be supported by 25 million Norwegian kroner (£2.65 million) in funding, the academic institution has announced.

The biofuel testing involves research into a carbon membrane capable of separating gases in a way similar to that which takes place in living creatures' blood.

Using this process means there is no need to introduce contaminants into the gas in order to separate it into its constituent parts.

Now the university's spin-off company MemfoACT has three test rigs examining the potential of the membrane, with the newly announced funding to be used to scale up to a full pilot scheme.

The technology can be retrofitted into biogas production facilities and can allow biomethane to be generated without high energy demands for use in eco-friendly vehicles.

Based in Trondheim, the university encourages cross-disciplinary research in order to uncover ideas that might not occur to scientists working in a specific industry area.