Science
British Cheesemakers Turn 95,000 Tonnes of Salty Whey Into Fuel
British cheesemakers produce 95,000 tonnes of salty whey annually, a byproduct long considered waste.
Researchers at Heriot-Watt University, with space tech firm Take Root Bio, have developed a method to convert it into fuel that could heat homes or power cars. The process uses a bio-based treatment on whey sugars. In 2021, the then Prince Charles ran his Aston Martin on bioethanol made from whey and surplus wine.
Dr Jane White of Heriot-Watt said the research adds value to byproducts that still contain valuable components but can be challenging to manage. Whey is now expensive due to high demand for protein supplements, partly driven by weight-loss drug recommendations, with some suppliers sold out for the year.
Source: Guardian Environment Energy
