Green recognition

The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) microchannel reactor developed by

was named as Green Innovation of the Year at the annual TechColumbus Innovation Awards ceremony, held earlier in February in

.

The Velocys FT microchannel reactor enables the production of ultra-clean, second-generation biofuels from waste products that would otherwise have to be disposed of, ranging from agricultural by-products to construction debris and municipal solid waste. The overall carbon footprint of the fuels produced using this reactor is said to be up to 90 per cent lower than that of petrol-based fuels.

The annual TechColumbus Innovation Awards ceremony honours achievements in technology leadership and innovation. The Green Innovation award is presented to a product or service that has a net-positive impact on the environment by decreasing energy consumption, air and water emissions and the generation of solid waste.

Roy Lipski, chief executive officer of Oxford Catalysts Group, which acquired Velocys in November 2008, said: ‘The combination of the Velocys microchannel reactor with Oxford Catalysts's FT catalyst is a significant step towards the widespread production of synthetic fuels. We are pleased that the technology has been recognised by this award.’