The BioReGen initiative, led by an environmental expert at Teeside University, was selected as one of the 14 best EU-supported LIFE Environment projects completed throughout Europe in 2010.

The project found that reed canary grass grows well on a variety of marginal or brownfield land types which are not currently being used.

Dr Richard Lord, a reader in environmental geochemistry & sustainability, will receive the award plaque in person at the European Parliament in Brussels on 25 May.

He said: “We are now actively engaged with a number of major industrial landowners who are implementing the results of the research in commercial projects.

“It’s a real conundrum as to how we produce the biomass we need to reduce carbon emissions without affecting food supply.”

Maxine Perella

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe