Scientists plan to mimic plant’s energy creation 22nd January, 2013 Nick Boyle
Scientists in the UK are planning to mimic the way plants harness the sun’s energy in order to create a more efficient renewable fuel, the Guardian has reported.
The researchers, who are based at the University of East Anglia (UEA), are starting an £800,000 project to replicate photosynthesis – the process by which plants convert the sunlight they harness into sugars to assist in their growth.
Image courtesy of “lemonade” – freedigitalphotos.net
It is planned that the process will be used to create hydrogen – a gas used to power cars, or for green electricity.
Professor Julea Butt, Lead researcher, said: “Reserves of fossil fuels are dwindling and fuel prices are rising, so it’s really vital that we look to renewable energy supplies.
“Many renewable energy supplies such as sunlight, wind and the waves remain largely untapped resources.”
The project, which is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences research council, also sees the University of Cambridge and the University of Leeds come together.
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