An initiative aimed at producing fuels using the power of the sun has received a $75 million (£48.8m) boost.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) is providing the grant to renew the Joint Centre for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP), which was initially established in 2010.

Under the renewal plan, the five-year old centre will receive funding for an additional five years of research.

It is hoped the process of using sunlight to produce liquid transportation fuels could “revolutionise the ability to tap new energy sources that are both renewable and environmentally friendly while improving energy security”.

Lynn Orr, Under Secretary for Science and Energy said: “JCAP’s work to produce fuels from sunlight and carbon dioxide holds the promise of a potentially revolutionary technology that would put America on the path to a low carbon economy.”