Scientists make energy breakthrough

The research team has adapted a bioreactor for use in the production of alternative renewable fuels, to replace fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel.

Currently, manufacturing biofuels requires vast amounts of power. However, the team have devised an "air-lift loop" bioreactor which creates microbubbles using 18 per cent less energy.

Those microbubbles are able to transfer materials in a bioreactor much more rapidly than larger bubbles produced by conventional bubble generation techniques.

In recognition of their work, the team have been awarded the Moulton Medal from the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

The approach is currently being tested with Yorkshire Water, which predicts that its electricity costs will be cut by a third.

Professor Will Zimmerman, from Sheffield University's department of chemical and process engineering, said: "The potential for large energy savings with our microbubble generation approach is huge."