A LEADING biofuel expert in Scotland has been awarded an OBE for services to engineering and energy.
Professor Martin Tangney, based at Edinburgh Napier University, and pictured, below, joins a select list of previous Irish recipients that includes F1’s Eddie Jordan and the Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan.
The innovator is best known for developing a process to convert the residues of the whisky industry into an advanced sustainable biofuel called biobutanol (a direct replacement for petrol). It provides a sustainable disposal route for the by-products of one of the country’s largest industries and integrates renewable fuel production with environmental sustainability and carbon reduction.
Martin is the founder of Celtic Renewables. The company is in the advanced stages of building Scotland’s first sustainable biofuel plant.
Speaking about the award The Lord Lieutenant Frank Ross said: “It is my honour and privilege, on the Queen’s behalf, to present Martin with his honorary OBE. His innovative approach to biofuel production – using by-products of whisky to create a viable alternative to petrol – has made industry ripples around the world.
“This medal recognises the lasting and meaningful impact on engineering and technology he has made. My congratulations on behalf of everyone in Edinburgh.”
Professor Tangney said: “This is an immense honour that I am both proud and humbled to accept. I am particularly delighted to be presented this award in Edinburgh, as this is where I have made my career and if I in anyway at all deserve an OBE it is only because of my work in Scotland. I hope that I represent the strong Irish diaspora here who have been contributing to Scottish society in so many ways.”
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