Novel method to produce biofuel - by E.coli!

As an (originally) environmental microbiologist, I was very pleased when reading the news, delivered by BBC web site, tonight:

A novel biotech method, based on the growth of coliform bacteria, has recently been tested in laboratory conditions by British scientists. This sounds very promising because the simple nutritive requirements and rapid growth of coliforms. E.coli has the world record of growth rates: it can duplicate in 20 minutes when growth environment is optimal. In addition, coliforms can use sugars, derived from mechanical pulp manufacture - suits also to Finland?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22253746