Guernsey Press

Alternative to diesel fuel is ‘carbon neutral’

IT WAS with some interest that I read Richard Graham’s article in the Guernsey Press (02.12.20, From Brexit to Buttergate).

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In particular I was taken by his comments regarding electrically powered motor vehicles. I have for some time felt that the environmental and socio-economic consequences attached to the production and disposal of the batteries and of the toxic chemicals used in the manufacture of them actually outweighs the advantages. It was further mentioned that one would have to drive 50,000 miles in an electric car before it was more environmentally efficient than an equivalent conventionally fuelled vehicle. My wife and I have cars and neither of them has accumulated anywhere near 50,000 miles and one of the cars is 13 years old and is in regular use. It was, however, decided by various governments, including ours, that the sale of diesel, petrol and hybrid cars would cease in or around 2030.

It would now appear that there is an alternative, at least to diesel fuel, and which is ‘carbon neutral’ – RD100, which to quote from a recent advertisement in the GP:

‘RD100 is an entirely new type of fuel. It is produced from 100% renewable materials so over its life cycle it can help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. It is sulphur-free, oxygen-free and odourless and is suitable for very cold conditions and can be stored over long periods without deterioration in quality or water accumulation, unlike some first-generation biofuels.’

This product is now available locally, although only via one fuel outlet.

So, as a complete non-scientist and with no vested interests whatsoever, would somebody please enlighten me as to why this fuel should not be endorsed wholeheartedly by the States of Guernsey and why we should not continue to use our now, potentially, very environmentally friendly diesel-powered vehicles beyond 2030?

Gervase Ashton

Editor’s footnote: Response from the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure:

The energy and climate change policies establish the maximum time frame within which decarbonisation will be achieved, but neither is prescriptive about how: the committee is willing to explore all options. The committee is really encouraged to see new technologies being developed and will be looking at all the pros and cons – including wider environmental impacts – for each. This is an area that is wholly a priority for the coming term.

Although the UK has brought forward the phasing out of the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles to 2030, which Guernsey is aligned to, the existing vehicles and second-hand markets are likely to remain beyond this point and so other options for decarbonising existing vehicles, such as hydrotreated vegetable oils, are being explored in order to meet Guernsey’s target for carbon neutrality by 2050.