January 12th 2009

Bio fuels in East Anglia by Dr Michael Bennett

At our meeting on the 12th January 2009, Dr Michael Bennett, an expert in the field of bio fuels, gave an interesting thought provoking presentation to a large and attentive membership.

Dr Bennett discussed possible alternatives to fossil fuels for road transport using some very convincing arguments together with up to date statistical evidence in support of his theories.

During his presentation, Dr Bennett said that technically biofuels are proven to be a viable alternative replacement to conventional fuels albeit somewhat less efficient. Although it is technically simple to make bio-ethanol from locally grown crops such as sugar beet and wheat and even simpler to make bio-diesel from oils seed rape, however with the fluctuating price of crude oil and agricultural commodity prices, together with ever changing government policies in both UK and EU the commercial future of biofuels in East Anglia is very uncertain.

After answering questions from members, Dr Bennett was thanked by Chris Hoskins on behalf of the Society.

Dr Bennett would be pleased to talk to members on the current thinking on biofuels, he can be contacted through the Society.

The Society was pleased to make a donation of £70 to Action Research the Speaker’s preferred charity.