Over the last month travel has been at its seasonal peak. This year’s summer was the hottest on record.
There is a connection – transport is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emission. It is vital that we consider how emerging science and innovation, alongside policy can support a more sustainable future for transport systems. As the world works towards greater efficiency in batteries and alternative power generation it is also possible to have the energy density of liquid fuels without the harm of fossil fuels.
Part of the technology solution lies in biology. Engineering biology and automation means we can now grow drop in fuel replacements, potentially at significant scale. This could provide carbon negative high energy density liquid fuels suitable for planes and large ships that cannot viably use electric propulsion.
Portfolio company HutanBio is developing such a fuel, that also leaves behind biomass used to feed local crop production. Watch the video below to learn more.
As part of our national strategy - led by UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund [UKI2S] - we invest in early-stage companies advancing transformative biological technologies, not only for the future of flight, but for a greener and more resilient economy.
We look forward to supporting the next wave of UK science and innovation that addresses systemic global challenges, from transport and climate to food and health care.
