Cars of the future could be powered by the huge masses of fat congealing underneath our roads in the sewers of the UK.

The plan is just one of many under consideration as the Department of Transport looks to find alternative fuel options from the country’s waste, including uneaten fruit, food leftover from farms and the infamous fatbergs.

The Government has given new funding to some of the UK’s most innovative green fuel companies, with the aim of developing ways to turn waste into fuel to help reduce emissions.

By creating low-carbon fuels, the initiative could save nearly 85million tonnes of CO2 over the next 13 years - the equivalent of taking 18 million cars off the road.

Grant Shapps, transport secretary, said: “Whether you're commuting to work or travelling on a family getaway, we want that journey to be as green and environmentally friendly as possible.

“This funding will help encourage innovative technology using today's waste to power tomorrow's green transport revolution, helping us reach a cleaner and greener future.”

It’s thought that the companies will be aiming to generate fuel from unlikely sources such as orange peels, household rubbish, unused straw from farms and old wood. But it is the use of fatbergs which is raising eyebrows - specialist firms are increasingly being asked to remove the huge blockages in the country’s sewer system, with some reaching sizes of 750 metres.

The advanced fuels industry is expected to be worth £400million and create 9,800 jobs over the next decade.

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