A team of scientists believe they have found a plant gene which will make the production of environmentally-friendly fuel more viable.
The Durham University team say the discovery could significantly improve the yield of plants such as oil-seed rape, which can provide power and fuel.
They have identified a gene in the weed Thale Cress which can increase the production of starch and oil.
Prof Keith Lindsey, of the university, described it as a "win/win situation".
He said: "Increased dependence on motorised transport, diminishing mineral resources and increased global warming means that governments around the world are turning their attention to a range of alternative fuel sources.
"Crop plants, such as oil seed rape, offer the potential for industrial-scale renewable energy supplies - vegetable oils can be converted to bio-diesel and starches to bio-ethanol, a petrol substitute.
"But land availability, demand on water and crop yields mean bio-fuels are still an expensive option - we believe we have found a way to make bio-fuels viable."
The discovery could have huge impact on crops grown for food, particularly increasing yields in countries where good agricultural land is sparse.