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Aquafuel Research Named Renewable Energy Innovator 2010 at National Awards
12 July 2010
A technology that points the way to the future of renewable fuels has helped a Kent Science Park company take top prize at the annual British Renewable Energy (BRE) Awards.
Aquafuel Research, the leading developer of renewable Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology, was crowned Renewable Energy Innovator 2010 thanks to its technology.
The groundbreaking technology was developed at Aquafuel’s headquarters, here at Kent Science Park, in partnership with Greenergy. It uses glycerine, a by-product of biodiesel production, as the fuel for diesel-engined CHP generators removing the need to burn fossil fuels.
Aquafuel’s technology converts existing CHP equipment, which normally runs on fossil fuels, and enables it to run cleanly and reliably on glycerine.
Interestingly, glycerine is also produced naturally by algae and many experts are predicting that glycerine created from large algae farms could one day replace fossil fuels for heat and power.
Paul Day, CEO and Founder of Aquafuel, said: “Glycerine makes renewable CHP practical, reliable and mainstream. The emissions are remarkably low, and the fuel is non-toxic, biodegradable and non-flammable – perfect for commercial premises.”
Major energy users from supermarkets to hospitals have fossil-fuelled heat and power systems, and have targets to reduce their carbon footprint. Aquafuel’s innovation provides for these needs with exceptionally clean and efficient renewable CHP. Developed and tested over several years, the technology is already in commercial operation, with a growing number of systems about to start.
Paul Day added: “We are delighted to have received this recognition from the Renewable Energy Association and are excited to see our technology enter the mass market over the next twelve months.”
Aquafuel’s technology also has global implications, because as well as glycerine, its CHP technology can switch between several renewable by-products that have clean fuel potential, including used cooking oil and even tallow, a by-product of the energy-intensive meat industry.
The implications for the biofuel industry are also significant as the technology enables biofuel production to be self-sufficient in terms of its energy. As a result biodiesel producers can now generate their own electrical power by fuelling diesel engines with glycerol and using 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 possible.
Commenting on Aquafuel’s success, a company which has been based at Kent Science Park since 2002, James Speck, the Park’s Site Director, said: “The Aquafuel technology offers huge potential in terms of renewable power generation and we are currently discussing how we may be able to adopt their technology to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
“Once again the technology developed at the Park is leading the way forward and receiving national recognition and respect.”
Other companies shortlisted for the Innovator Award included Centric, Senergy, and National Grid.
To find out about the businesses based at the Park or the office and laboratory space available visit www.kentsciencepark.co.uk. For further information on the work of Aquafuel and its technology visit www.aquafuelresearch.com.
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