Beer as a natural energy resource
A joint project between the University of Queensland (UQ) and Foster's to produce electricity from beer wastewater has won $140,000 from the Queensland Government's Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund.
The team from UQ's Advanced Wastewater Management Centre (AWMC) was awarded the funding at Foster's Yatala brewery by Minister for Environment Lindy Nelson-Carr.
The technology works by creating a microbial fuel cell, which feeds continuously on the organics in the brewery wastewater and turns it into watts, according to AWMC postdoctoral research fellow Dr Korneel Rabaey.
The process also produces clean water and renewable carbon dioxide.
Rabaey believes the smart use of natural resources is imperative in today's climate.
"Energy and water supply are among the biggest challenges we will face in the coming decades," he said. "Therefore, we must learn how to diversify our portfolio of fuels " and we must learn to reduce our energy and water usage."
AWMC director, Professor Jurg Keller, said the team is achieving good progress with a 10 litre prototype, with plans to have a pilot-scale model ready for an international bio-energy conference hosted by the University in September.
The patent-pending technology is designed for small to medium operations and could be used across a number of food, beverage and manufacturing industries.
Research finds Australian replacement for imported gum
Sap from a tree common in inland areas of Australia has shown promise as a replacement for the...
Rapid test finds next Aussie premium honey
University researchers have developed a rapid, affordable test that can help identify the next...
CDU launches native bushfoods and botanicals hub
Charles Darwin University is establishing a hub for the study of native bushfoods and botanicals,...