WESSEX GRAIN has teamed up with five other European companies to found a bloc-wide association to boost bioethanol development.

It has joined with companies from Spain, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands to set up eBio, the European Bioethanol Fuel Association.

The Henstridge, Somerset-based grain trader recently announced that outline planning consent has been granted for a £45m ethanol factory in the county.

When running at full capacity, the plant would process 330,000t of cereals into at least 100m litres of bioethanol.

Managing director Malcolm Shepherd said: “We are delighted to be the only UK representative currently involved with eBio, and for the opportunity to give the biofuels industry a voice.

“Through working alongside similar companies within eBio we hope to raise awareness not only in the UK but throughout Europe.”

EBio would be used to increase public awareness of the benefits of bioethanol and reduce regulatory barriers to its development.