Three companies have been awarded a share of a £25 million Government fund to help develop greener fuel technology.

All the successful projects will use waste products which would otherwise be disposed of and turn them into biofuels, fuelling cars and lorries.

The funding will help the successful SMEs in Edinburgh, Teesside and Swindon invest in new premises and technology which will help generate over 5,000 new jobs by 2030, open up international markets and promote the renewable energy sector. The projects will boost Scotland, the Northern Powerhouse and Wiltshire and the UK economy as a whole.

Transport minister Andrew Jones said: "This is a great example of our commitment to innovative transport technology and supporting jobs and growth.

"Biofuels have an important role to play in keeping Britain moving forward in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way. This £25 million is not only a vital investment in technology that will help secure a greener future but will also support the creation of thousands of jobs."

Advanced biofuels have the potential to save at least 60% of the greenhouse gas emissions from the equivalent fossil fuel. The 3 successful bids show how the government is investing in transport and making better, clean journeys.

The winning schemes are:

  • Celtic Renewables, based in Edinburgh, has been awarded £11 million to fund a new plant to make biofuels from Scotch whisky by-products, with plans to open a further 3 commercial plants across Scotland in the future
  • Advanced Plasma Power, in Swindon, will receive £11 million to help develop biofuels from ordinary household waste
  • Nova Pangaea Technologies, based in Tees Valley, will receive £3 million to help make biofuels from forestry waste