Sunday, 19 May 2013
masthead+quote+image
Advanced search

Initiative trial buses to run on recycled vegetable oil

Merseytravel and Stagecoach Merseyside are launching a new initiative that will see buses run on recycled vegetable oil.

The initiative forms part of a commitment to the European BIONIC project, which is funded by the European Commission and Intelligent Energy Europe programme and co-ordinated in Europe by Merseytravel. Its aim is to promote the production and use of sustainably produced biofuels in transport.

Merseytravel is supporting the two-year trial by providing a refuelling infrastructure to allow six Stagecoach vehicles to run on a greener blend of fuel — a B30 biodiesel mix supplied by producer Convert2Green.

All three partners in the project are members of the Merseytravel-run North West Biofuels Network.

The B30 biodiesel mix includes 30 per cent biodiesel from waste vegetable oil, which reduces the overall CO2 emissions from the buses by up to 25 per cent compared with standard diesel.

The trial in Liverpool will monitor vehicle reliability and fuel consumption, with the lessons learnt being used to support other bus operators who want to use biofuels.

Readers' comments (1)

  • Well , once again , nothing new to report.
    I read some years ago of 2 separate groups , one was German as I recall ,who were both running taxis on 100% veg oil.

    Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment

Have your say

Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory

My saved stories (Empty)

You have no saved stories

Save this article

Digital Edition

The Engineer May Digital Edition

Poll

Forward-looking flying car specialist Terrafugia has unveiled a new autopilot-equipped STOVL concept which it says could be on sale in 8-12 years. But will the science-fiction staple of the flying car ever take off?

Previous Poll

NASA chief Charles Bolden says that the agency is moving forwards with plans for a manned Mars mission, but there are significant ‘technology gaps’. Which of these is likely to be the most difficult to overcome?

Read and comment on the results here