Hong Kong CE Toasts Scots Whisky Biofuel Team

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, recently visited Edinburgh Napier University to find out about a super biofuel produced from whisky by-products.

Date:

Tue, 04 Oct 2011

Source:

Edinburgh Napier University

The Honourable Donald Tsang GBM, visited Edinburgh Napier University's Biofuel Research Centre, where Scottish scientists behind a super biofuel produced from whisky by-products are based, as part of an official visit to the Scottish capital last month.

Edinburgh Napier has strong links with Hong Kong’s growing renewables sector.

The Scottish university has signed a partnership deal with City University of Hong Kong to establish Hong Kong’s first Biofuel Research Centre.

And earlier this year its experts, who work closely with Hong Kong industry and government, helped launch the city’s first campaign to re-use cooking oil as renewable energy.

Mr Tsang said: “We have the experience, the talent and the determination to nurture green industry in Hong Kong and have proposed a target to reduce carbon intensity by between 50% and 60% by 2020. To do this it is essential to promote green innovation and technology.

“That is why it is fantastic to come here and see the original Biofuel Research Centre that has provided an inspirational template for the twin centre in Hong Kong, as well as for a range of other biofuel initiatives.”

Professor Martin Tangney, Director of the Biofuel Research Centre at Edinburgh Napier University, will give the Hong Kong leader an insight into some of the centre’s ongoing work - including the process behind a super biofuel made from whisky by-products.

Professor Tangney said: “It is and honour to welcome the Hong Kong delegation to the campus and share some of the successes we’ve achieved. Like us, the Hong-Kong Biofuel Centre will investigate excess materials to develop biofuels rather than growing crops specifically to generate biofuel. This is a more environmentally sustainable option and potentially offers new revenue streams for other industries such as the food and drink sector.”

A global study published by the US Pew Environment Group shows that China invested more than US$54 billion in low-carbon energy technology last year – more than Germany and the US.

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