Shell and UK-based bio-bean have revealed that they are working together to help power some of Londons buses using a biofuel made partly from waste coffee grounds.
bio-bean is an award-winning clean technology company that recycles waste coffee grounds into advanced biofuels. The B20 biofuel contains a 20% bio-component which contains part coffee oil. The biofuel is being added to the London bus fuel supply chain and will help to power some of the buses, without need for modification, said a company statement. Biofuel is said to provide a cleaner, more sustainable energy solution for buses across Londons network by decreasing emissions.
Arthur Kay, founder, bio-bean, said: Our Coffee Logs have already become the fuel of choice for households looking for a high-performance, sustainable way to heat their homes and now, with the support of Shell, bio-bean and Argent Energy have created thousands of litres of coffee-derived B20 biodiesel which will help power London buses for the first time. Its a great example of what can be done when we start to reimagine waste as an untapped resource.”
The average Londoner drinks 2.3 cups of coffee a day which produces over 200,000 tonnes of waste a year, much of which would otherwise end in landfill with the potential to emit 126 million kg of CO2. bio-bean works to collect some of these waste coffee grounds from high street chains and factories. The grounds are dried and processed before coffee oil is extracted. bio-bean works with its fuel partner Argent Energy to process this oil into a blended B20 biofuel. A total of 6,000l of coffee oil has been produced, which if used as a pure-blend for the bio component and mixed with mineral diesel to form a B20, could help power the equivalent of one London bus for a year.
This latest collaboration is part of Shells ‘#makethefuture’ energy relay, which supports entrepreneurs turning bright energy innovations into a positive impact for communities around the world.
Sinead Lynch, country chair, Shell UK, said: When it comes to clean energy, we are always looking for the next inventive solution. A good idea can come from anywhere, but with the scale and commitment of our company, we can help enable true progress. We’re pleased to be able to support bio-bean to trial this innovative new energy solution which can help to power buses, keeping Londoners moving around the city – powered in part by their waste coffee grounds.”
bio-bean founder Arthur Kay won Shell LiveWires Innovation Award in 2013 and the Mayors Entrepreneur Programme in 2012 with his ideas about turning coffee waste into fuel. bio-bean has since gone on to produce bio-mass pellets and briquettes called Coffee Logs, before this latest biofuel innovation.
All photos: © bio-bean limited.