There’s whiskey in the car!

Irish scientist invents a car that runs on Scotch

MOLLY MULDOON,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Thursday, August 19, 2010, 7:20 AM

Updated Thursday, August 19, 2010, 9:21 AM

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Professor Martin Tangney, from Cork, inspects a sample of biobutanol

A scientist from County Cork has invented a new bio-fuel made from Scotch which can be used instead of traditional petrol in cars.

Professor Martin Tangney from Macroom in Cork, is the man behind the new ground breaking fuel which key ingredients include whisky by products.

The new bio-fuel which could be available at petrol pumps in the near future offers consumers greater power than other conventional motor fuels.

Professor Tangney is the Director of the Biofuel Research Centre at Edinburgh Napier University is leading the ground-breaking research which is part of a project aimed at developing a biobutonal, the next generation of biofuel which gives 30 percent more output power than ethanol.

The two year long project used whiskey as its main ingredient because Scotch Malt distillation is one of the biggest industries in Scotland.

Speaking about his research Professor Tangney said "This is a more environmentally sustainable option and potentially offers new revenue on the back of one Scotland’s biggest industries. We’ve worked with some of the country’s leading whisky producers to develop the process.”

The University is planning to create a company which will market the new fuel in a bid to make it available at petrol pumps.

Nster.com

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LiamDavid | Sep 09, 2010, 02:54 AM EDT

I can imagine one day, some poor ambivalent lad, teary eyed as he pumps his last few Euros worth into the tank of his car. On the good side, there will be a marked decrease in “Drinking & Driving”! So many will be unable to afford to have a few at the pub while also owning a scotch guzzling car as well! “Bartender, I’ll take have beer and a double scotch for my Buick”!

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dblagbro | Aug 20, 2010, 07:05 PM EDT

same question that, when answered, killed ethanol; what is the mpg / energy per unit of the whiskey? ethanol didn't work because you get 1/3 (or worse) kpl / mgp - how far will a tank get you on this stuff? and yes, the other question of 'how much energy goes into making this energy source?' is an important one too but if it is higher cost yet sustainable none-the-less, then it is a viable option when petrol gets more expensive. -d

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manofaran | Aug 20, 2010, 05:08 PM EDT

I heard an interview with this lad, I belive he uses byproducts from the distilleries. The good stuff is for Scotch and the rest goes into biofuels.

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manofaran | Aug 20, 2010, 05:08 PM EDT

I heard an interview with this lad, I belive he uses byproducts from the distilleries. The good stuff is for Scitch and the rest goes into biofuels.

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JamesMurphy | Aug 20, 2010, 09:56 AM EDT

If the hard stuff doesn't work out, Professor Tangney might turn to wine. A reliable customer would be Prince Charles, since he runs his Aston Martin on it.

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felixhancock | Aug 19, 2010, 11:33 PM EDT

This sounds like a good idea, but what is the net energy your getting from this alcohol fuel? I mean it's gotta take alot of energy to get the hops and the grains to get planted and harvested. Unless they get about 100mp/gal it doesn't seem like a viable option in the long run.

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kateomprint | Aug 19, 2010, 12:11 PM EDT

You would find half the irish men in the Country with their mouths stuck around the exhaust pipes of every car in Ireland

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