Chippy fat turned into fuel as powerful and efficient as diesel – Scientists have found a way to turn leftover fat from chippies into a biofuel as efficient and powerful as diesel. The major breakthrough came thanks to a new method using enzymes to break down fatty acids in cooking oil into alkenes, the building block of fuels like petrol and diesel. Researchers at King’s College London say the new renewable power source could reduce our usage of fossil fuels. Biofuels that could directly replace petrol or diesel in car engines have long been touted as a sustainable alternative, with fuels derived from food waste cutting emissions by up to 94 per cent.
However, these types of fuels have typically contained a lot of oxygen molecules which burn inefficiently, hindering widespread usage. Academics now claim they’ve created a totally green “chemical equivalent” to fossil fuels by modifying an enzyme to break down fatty acids found in food waste and extracting the oxygen within. The technique is 1000 times more efficient than previous methods, putting this new biofuel on par with diesel. Dr Alex Brogan, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at KCL, highlighted the importance of biofuels in helping industries like logistics transition away from fossil fuels to meet emission targets.
The enzyme used, called P450 decarboxylase, typically requires water to work, resulting in a low yield of alkene. To address this, the modified enzyme was placed in a liquid salt while a UV light was shone on it as it mixed with fatty acids to activate the reaction, leading to a greater yield of alkenes than possible in water. This increased efficiency means the production of the fuel requires less energy and lower amounts of raw materials, significantly improving sustainability. The team also aims to use the same technology to enhance chemical reactions in other fields, such as pharmaceutical production.
Dr Leticia Zanphorlin from the Brazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory, which also contributed to the research, expressed excitement about the potential of their biotechnology in producing a variety of fuels, including gasoline and kerosene for the aviation sector. Their work aims to address climate change challenges by providing renewable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. This innovative approach to biofuel production not only offers a sustainable solution to energy needs but also opens up possibilities for further advancements in various industries.
In conclusion, the development of biofuels from chippy fat showcases the potential for creative solutions to environmental challenges. By transforming waste products into viable energy sources, researchers are paving the way for a greener future with reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The scientific breakthrough not only demonstrates the power of innovation but also underscores the importance of sustainable practices in addressing climate change and global emissions targets.