ATF Fuels and Liberty bus have reached an agreement that will see ATF supply a bio-fuel diesel for Jersey’s bus network.
The ‘Greend’ HVO fuel, more commonly known as renewable diesel, will be used on double-decker buses on a number of routes, including the number 15 route, which accounts for 29% of Liberty Bus journeys.
ATF’s Greend HVO is a fossil free diesel product made of 100% renewable raw materials, which does not release any new carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Route 15 accounts for 29% of Liberty Bus journeys
Jonathan Best, director of ATF Fuels, said “ATF is delighted to enter into this agreement with Liberty Bus which will see a reduction in new carbon emissions from public transport across the island. ATF is committed to doing everything we can to help reduce carbon emissions from transport which is why we Carbon Offset all fuel sales at our Forecourts. We also supply a range of Renewable fuels, such as GreenD HVO which have a proven track record and are endorsed for use by large number of manufacturers, such as DAF, Volva Penta, Caterpillar and IVECO for both roads, off road and marine use.”
Kevin Hart, Director of Liberty Bus commented, “We fully support the Government of Jersey’s sustainable transport policy and their ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030. Since we found out that 39 of our 84 strong fleet has manufacturer approval for using HVO, we were keen to start using this fuel as soon as possible. One of the main advantages is that is that it is a “drop in” replacement, without the need to invest in more infrastructure”.
Renewable diesels are generally higher costs to supply and the Government of Jersey will provide an subvention to help allay some of these costs through its Sustainable Transport Policy.
What is HVO (Hydrotreated vegetable oils)?
It is a premium fossil free diesel product made of 100% renewable raw materials, which does not release any new carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It is produced by hydrotreatment of vegetable oils and the result is a premium quality fuel with a chemical structure almost identical to regular diesel.
In recent studies in Scandinavia, 17 trucks and buses were run on HVO over a 3-year trial period. Over 1 million litres of fuel were burned with considerable emission reductions and no operational issues. Also, Hamburg airport switched to HVO in 2016 and it has also powered the Eurovision Song Contest, Glastonbury and other UK festivals.
Many transportation companies have already switched into alternative renewable fuels, and the pressure for more sustainable choices is growing across the industry.
Other renewable fuels include fuels such as E10 and B7.
E10 petrol contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, which will help to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with petrol vehicles and tackle climate change. During summer 2021, the standard petrol grade in the United Kingdom became E10. E10 petrol is already widely used around the world, including across Europe, the US and Australia. It has also been the reference fuel against which new cars are tested for emissions and performance since 2016. As from 1 September 2021, ATF Fuels became the first fuel retailer in Jersey to supply E10 petrol and B7 Diesel as standard at their forecourts.
Since E10 became the European test fuel in 2016, new cars are not only compatible with E10, they are optimised to run on it. Cars that are incompatible with E10 are mostly classic, hobbyist vehicles or are older cars.
ATF have been engaging with government as part of the Carbon Neutral Roadmap consultation process and have proposed that government introduce a mandatory requirement for all fuel operators to sell fuels with a renewable component.
The main image shows Jon Best from ATF Fuels, Kevin Hart from Liberty Bus and Deputy Kevin Lewis (Minister for Infrastructure) standing in front of a double decker bus that is now running on HVO Diesel (90% carbon free fuel).
