A third of London buses to use biodiesel
Bus service Stagecoach and Metroline have signed deals with Argent Energy to supply them with B20 diesel, a cleaner burning fuel which blends 80 per cent diesel with 20 per cent renewable biodiesel from waste products, while 442 buses have already been using the greener fuel for two months on a trial basis.
The emissions savings gained from B20 will add to the 48,000 tonne CO2 reduction from 2013 levels, brought about by the introduction of lower emitting buses such as hybrids, while buses running on the waste-based fuel produce an estimated 10 per cent less “well to wheel” emissions than ordinary diesel.
The number of hybrid buses will also increase to over 1,700 by 2016, representing over 20% of the capital’s fleet, while a new wireless battery charging technology will also be trialled on routes in East London.
Matthew Pencharz, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, believes that London has an important role to play in reducing greenhouse gases and minimising its contribution to climate change.
“These buses will be a proud addition to what is already the greenest bus fleet in the world, including hybrid, pure electric and pure hydrogen vehicles. This is ongoing progress for running our bus fleets on waste products and cutting CO2,” he said.
“We will continue to work with our industry partners to use more of London's used cooking oil turned into biodiesel right here in the city, creating green jobs and fuel self-sufficiency benefits.”
The new biodiesel will provide London’s 8,900-strong bus fleet, which carries almost 2.4 billion passengers a year, with 80 million litres of its current 240-litre output.
Dickon Posnett, Development Director of Argent Energy, states that the ever-growing demand to reduce greenhouse gases from transport is well recognised. “Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority have actually done the research and have now shown they have the understanding of the immediate benefits that high bio-blend diesel can bring,” he said.
“They and London bus companies are leading the way in using this economic and simple option that can produce significant greenhouse gas reductions from bus fleets, here and now. The good example set here can only help to inform other UK cities that are also looking to make greenhouse gas savings.”
Mike Weston, TfL's Director of Buses, added: Our bus fleet is now making a major contribution to improving air quality and bringing down CO2 emissions. This improvement, which will reduce CO2 emissions by 21,000 tonnes each year, is being introduced now with no extra spend needed and no long delay for the fitting of new kit. It's just one of a number of measures we are taking to make London's environment better for everyone.”
