A British company has produced petrol ‘from the air’ by using unique technology to that captures water vapour and carbon dioxide present in air to produce a synthetic version of the fossil fuel.
According to The Independent this morning, Teeside-based Air Fuel Synthesis has so far managed to produce five litres of fuel since its small refinery went live in August.
The company is looking to build a larger refinery within the next two years in the hope that it can produce around a tonne of petrol a day.
Air Fuel Synthesis’ £1.1 million development programme enables the production of a cleaner form of petrol which does not require digging and drilling to extract it. It could make it easier for traditional combustion cars to convert to a clean fuel source.
The process currently uses electricity from the national grid to electrolyse water but the company hope that in the near future, they can use electricity from renewable sources such as wind and tidal energy, to create a truly clean alternative.
Stephen Tetlow, Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers commented: “Air Fuel Synthesis is a truly ground-breaking technology. It has the potential to become a great British success story, which opens up a crucial opportunity to reduce carbon emissions. It also has the potential to reduce our exposure to an increasingly volatile global energy market. The potential to provide a variety of sustainable fuels for today’s vehicles and infrastructure is especially exciting.”
Air Fuel Synthesis Chairman David Still added:“We are now ready to build the first commercial Air Fuel Synthesis production plant making carbon-neutral petrol. The technology can add to new or existing renewable energy projects, especially where the energy is stranded; where there is a premium for secure liquid fuels for existing vehicles; or for reducing carbon emissions.”
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
October 19, 2012
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