Everybody is searching for fuel these days, and almost everybody is trying to find fuel that is sustainable, environmentally friendly and affordable. 

The UK has been experimenting with biodegradable fuel that could cut its transportation fuel purchases by 10%.  The fuel is actually created by using bacteria found in compost heaps.  The bacteria is used to convert waste plant fiber into ethanol. 

Researchers have actually created a new strain of bacteria that can break down straw and agricultural plant waste, domestic hedge clippings, wood chips, cardboard, garden trimmings and other waste products and convert them into fuel that can be used by the transportation industry.

There are a number of benefits to this discovery in addition to having another source of fuel.  The bioethanol fuel produced by the process will easily mix with existing fuel.  By creating the mix, greenhouse gasses will be diminished and this will help decrease global warming.  In addition, the fuel will reduce dependence on foreign oil and work toward meeting criteria for renewable energy sources.

Bioethanol used to be quite expensive to produce, because the barley mash had to be heated then cooled then re-heated, taking quite a lot of time, as well.  The new strain of bacteria that has been created does not have to go through such an intricate and elaborate process, making it faster and less expensive to produce. 

The UK has just completed commissioning its first cellulosic ethanol demonstration facility.  There are only a few of these facilities in the world.  Researchers are convinced that in addition to creating biofuel, the process can be used to create high-value chemicals and drug ingredients that are currently created from oil.

There are reports that the U.S. is working on similar projects that could create one piece of the energy puzzle through sustainable waste that is easily obtainable and efficient to use, while being renewable and less harmful to the environment.