Nagoya University's EcoTopia Develops Organic Waste-Powered Vehicle

Copyright Nagoya University

A group led by Professor Tatsuya Hasegawa et al. of EcoTopia Science Institute, Nagoya University of Japan, has developed a biomethane-fuelled vehicle. On August 27, 2012, the group unveiled the vehicle and held a press conference on the university campus.

Using this technology, biomethane is produced from school cafeteria compost and is absorbed by adsorbent for storage at low pressure, below 10 atmospheres. The technology was developed for the use of power generation and automotive fuel, and is expected to be used as a decentralized energy source following natural disasters.

The group donated and installed 2 small biogas plants in September 2010 at a temple and a farming village in India, in cooperation with the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and is planning to further continue its research and development in cooperation with developing countries and with private companies in disaster-affected areas as a preventative measure.

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