Seaweed Could Be Future Fuel

While enjoyed selectively as 'dulse', seaweed is to be targeted across Ireland and Scotland for another more dynamic use than eating its dried version.

NI Energy Minister Arlene Foster today launched a research project that aims to develop ways to convert seaweed into fuel.

The £5million (€6million) tripartite BioMara bio-marine energy research project will be spearheaded by marine scientists based in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

They will investigate ways of converting seaweeds and plant algae into fuel as an alternative to the use of food crops to produce bio-fuels.

Addressing stakeholders at the event in the Northern Ireland Science Park, Arlene Foster said: "The BioMara project is at the cutting edge of renewable fuel technology.

"The work will put our local universities at the forefront of worldwide marine bio-energy research and increase our knowledge in this key growth area. While the research is in its infancy, it could help provide the answer to reducing our dependence on costly imported fossil fuels for road transport and their high carbon emissions.

"The project also holds great promise for future economic development. There is undoubtedly significant potential for new economic activity and skilled 'green jobs' from emerging renewable marine and bio-energy technologies."

The Minister concluded: "The BioMara project is an excellent example of practical regional cooperation between Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland on an issue of fundamental concern to our economies - sustainable energy. The European Union is committed to getting 10% of road transport fuel from renewable sources by 2020 and I commend the Special European Union Programmes Body for its financial support for the project."

The Biomara marine research project, which is being funded in part by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the Republic of Ireland and the European Union, is aimed at facilitating experts to pioneer research into the production of renewable marine biomass energy.

Technical experts from Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland will be supported through the Northern Ireland, Border Region of Ireland and western Scotland INTERREG IVA Programme.

They will carry out innovative research into the production of renewable energy from seaweeds and marine algae from shared seas, harnessing the expertise and resources of the three regions.

Speaking at the event, Dr Michele Stanley from the Scottish Association for Marine Sciences in Oban who is leading development work on the cross-border project, said: "With global fossil fuel supplies dwindling and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels affecting climate change, there is an urgent need for new, renewable fuel sources with low net carbon emissions.

"Marine algae could be part of the solution. Seaweeds grow rapidly, harness carbon dioxide and have simple structures which make them easily converted to fuel."

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan said: "DCENR welcomes the arrival of the west of Scotland into the European Union's INTERREG programme. There are many areas of common interest between Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland in the field of energy, and it is very good that the programme allows some of these to be addressed.

"We commend the Scottish Association for Marine Sciences and all the project partners for their excellent contribution and look forward to a successful outcome."

(BMcC)