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WSP New Zealand Limited is receiving Research Programmes funding for the following projects.
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Sustainable biomass-derived materials to replace bitumen for transport infrastructure
- Contract value (GST excl): $9,100,000
- Contract term: 5 years
- Funding awarded in: 2022
- Principal Investigator/s: Mr Philip Herrington
Public statement
An efficient road transport infrastructure underpins successful societies and economies worldwide. Bitumen, a by-product of petroleum refining, is an essential material component of that infrastructure and globally over 100 million tonnes of bitumen are used annually for road construction and industrial applications. There is currently no viable alternative. The price and availability of bitumen is highly dependent on high-volume refining of crude oil for heating and transport fuels. As a response to climate change, global fossil fuel consumption and hence bitumen availability, is forecast to be greatly reduced in the future. This will make petroleum bitumen less and less affordable and threatens NZ’s security of supply.
Our goal is to convert NZ sustainable forestry and animal biomass products, into a substitute material for petroleum-based bitumen used in road construction, roofing and numerous other industrial applications. Our research is inspired by Ngāi Tūhoe and embodies Māori values and worldview: kaitiakitanga, guardianship and conservation of the land.
Using a novel methodology we aim to convert cellulosic materials into a high-performing viscoelastic “biobitumen” made 100% from natural, renewable materials.
To be successful the new biobitumen must be economically viable, but also be designed to eliminate the rheological and durability deficiencies inherent to petroleum bitumen. Our programme is designed to address these challenges.
We have assembled a strong international research and stakeholder team to ensure scientific excellence and to facilitate efficient uptake and implementation ensuring a wide impact for New Zealand.
Our vision is that our research will create a platform to use New Zealand’s resources towards a low-emissions circular bioeconomy.