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E-mail this to a friendThe benefits of bio-refining for Wales:Replacing some of the industrial chemicals produced from oil with similar molecules from plants that could supply potentially lucrative markets within easy reach of Welsh producersTurning crops such as Rye Grass, Miscanthus, Oats and Artichokes into valuable fuels and chemicals would cut back on greenhouse gases, would increase fuel and chemical security whilst adding value to the Welsh economyChemicals derived from plants have uses in a range of sectors, including transport, food, health, hygiene and the environmentThey include new materials called bio-composites and bio-plasticsAs well as creating and safeguarding jobs in the West Wales and the Valleys, the pioneering work will help develop science in Wales.
Led by Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Science (IBERS), in collaboration with its partners at Bangor and Swansea Universities, the BEACON initiative will use pioneering techniques, known as bio-refining, to assist Welsh companies in developing new low carbon technologies and new ways of making products that are traditionally made from oil.
Backed with £10.6 million from the European Regional Development Fund, BEACON aims to establish Wales as a Bio-refining Centre of Excellence and make a vital contribution to tackling climate change. It will work with companies to convert crops, such as rye grass, oats and artichokes, into products including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, fuels, cosmetics and textiles.
Mr Jones, who is also the Minister for the Economy and Transport, said,
“We are committed to building upon the expertise within our Universities and industry to develop new technologies and products which will increase our competitiveness and position Wales on a global platform.
“Stimulating innovation through R&D is at the heart of Economic Renewal driving forward productivity, economic growth and increasing prosperity across the region.”
BEACON will build on research already underway at IBERS to produce fuels from energy crops such as high-sugar grasses like rye.
It will also enable Swansea University to focus on developing their expertise in using bacteria and fungi to digest, or ferment, plant matter within the bio-refining process.
Bangor University will build on work to develop new materials from plants which can be used to develop innovative products, having recently discovered that compounds found in some local plants can be used to control problems like potato blight.
Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, Professor Noel Lloyd
"We are delighted to be leading this partnership project that has the potential to provide immense benefits for the whole of Wales and the world.
“By pooling the knowledge and using the joint expertise of our three universities, we can develop centres of excellence across Wales to respond to a major global challenge."
Swansea University Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard B. Davies’ said,
“Strong, internationally networked R&D platforms are recognised by the WAG Economic Renewal Programme as vital infrastructure elements of a modern knowledge economy.
“Beacon is a superb and timely example of how universities can mobilise their research expertise and the talent for innovation of their staff to address the current R&D deficit in Wales.
“Oil refining and oil products were once an important part of the industrial economy of the Swansea region. We are therefore particularly delighted that Swansea University will be supporting the development of a new wave of companies for which sustainable biomass replaces oil.”
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