Aquafuel Research

New article by Erin Voegele:

U.K.-based Aquafuel Research Ltd. has developed a technology that allows crude glycerin to be burned in standard diesel generators used in combined-heat-and-power applications. In December, the company made the technology commercially available.

Aquafuel CEO Paul Day said the technology can give biodiesel producers the opportunity to supply all their own electrical needs, as well as sell electricity back to the grid. “Overall, the technology offers producers a chance to unlock revenues from glycerin streams, and at the same time improve their environmental performance,” he said. “That is a rare and very welcome combination.”

Read the full article [here] and the original press release below.

New technology, developed with leading biofuel supplier Greenergy, further improves the sustainability of biodiesel production  

SITTINGBOURNE, England - 5th December 2008 - Aquafuel Research Limited, the specialist in renewable power innovation, today announced the commercial availability of new technology for the combustion of biodiesel crude glycerol in standard diesel-engined Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generators. 

Aquafuel’s technology allows biodiesel producers to generate their own electrical power, and use the waste heat to provide process steam.  Any excess electricity can be sold to the local grid, or used to run electric boilers for more process steam.  The result brings biodiesel production close to energy self-sufficiency and makes drastic cuts in fossil fuel usage.

Glycerol is a by-product of biodiesel production.  For every 9 gallons of biodiesel, 1 gallon of crude glycerol is produced.  Glycerol’s density and high oxygen content offer the potential of exceptionally clean combustion, with much lower emissions than burning diesel fuel.  Aquafuel’s technology has turned that potential into practical reality.

“Biodiesel production is energy intensive, yet it produces large amounts of glycerol, which has great potential as a clean renewable fuel,” said Paul Day, CEO and Founder of Aquafuel Research.  “Using standard diesel generators, biodiesel producers can now reduce their energy costs, unlock new revenues and to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.”

The technology is protected by international patent applications and is the result of a two year research and development program with leading UK biofuel supplier Greenergy (www.greenergy.com).

"As the UK's leading biofuels producer with a commitment to supply chain sustainability and the lowest possible carbon footprint, Greenergy believes that Aquafuel's technology is an important enhancement to the economics and carbon footprint of biodiesel production,” said Andrew Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Greenergy.  “We are delighted to have worked with Aquafuel in the development of their innovative and practical technology."

The technology includes a new combustion cycle which makes the diesel cycle independent of the fuel properties.  It also opens up the potential for any liquid fuels, from ethanol to gasoline, to be burnt at diesel efficiencies.  The use of conventional, not bespoke, equipment means capital costs are comparable with conventional diesel CHP.


About Greenergy
Greenergy was founded in 1992 to supply fuels with a reduced environmental impact. The company has grown rapidly year on year and is now one of the largest privately owned companies in the UK.  It has over a 10% share of the UK road fuel market and supplies approximately a third of all biofuel sold in the UK. 

Greenergy leads the industry on biofuel sustainability and is committed to maximising the carbon savings from the biofuel it supplies. For more information visit www.greenergy.com.