A switch to high-blend biodiesel is helping Transdev to cut carbon dioxide emissions by thousands of tonnes per year, as it seeks to cut emissions prior to moving over to zero-emission operations. Transdev has partnered with fuel provider Argent Fuels to switch its fleet across its 10 operating centres in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester to the high blend biodiesel fuel.
Operations Director Vitto Pizzuti said: “The biodiesel fuel we’re now using across our fleet is a high-blend B15 formation, produced as a solution of 15% biodiesel and 85% low sulphur diesel. In summer, the biodiesel content will rise to 25%, delivering even lower emissions in the communities we serve. Completing our switch to this lower emission fuel is helping us to achieve environmental benefits now, and on a commercially viable basis. Biodiesel is 100% biodegradable, less toxic than table salt and is derived from renewable sources.
“At 15% concentration, biodiesel is significantly reducing emissions compared with regular diesel fuel – and without damaging engine components. And the benefits are happening right here and now across all 10 of our operating centres, as we prepare for the keenly-anticipated replacement of our entire Harrogate bus fleet with 71 new fully-electric buses.”
Fuel producer and supplier Argent Fuels predicts that, based on annual fuel consumption of 8.1 million litres and a blend rate prepared to the 15% biodiesel and 85% low sulphur diesel specification, Transdev can expect to cut its emissions by around 3,612 tonnes of CO2 per annum, which it says is the equivalent of taking 1,745 cars off the roads every year.
Colin Duke, Head of Sales at Argent Fuels, commented: “We are excited to embark on this partnership with Transdev to help them accomplish significant carbon reductions across their fleet. Transdev were looking for an immediate solution for their existing diesel fleet whilst they are on the road to electrification, and High Blend Fuel provides exactly that.
“By blending Argent’s sustainable, second-generation biodiesel with regular diesel, we can create a ‘drop in’ replacement fuel that requires no engine modifications, while delivering significant reductions in CO2 emissions. As a renewable fuel producer and supplier, our vision is to help reduce the world’s carbon footprint, and so we are thrilled to collaborate with Transdev on this journey.”