All non-zero-emission buses in the Transdev Blazefield fleet have been transferred to a high blend of biodiesel in partnership with supplier Argent Fuel.
The group is using 15% biodiesel and 85% low-sulphur fossil diesel via a B15 blend. In summer the biodiesel content will rise to 25% via a B25 blend. Transdev Blazefield says that the move is delivering environmental benefits now pending delivery of further battery-electric buses.
Argent Fuels calculates that at a 15% biodiesel blend rate coupled to 85% low sulphur fossil diesel and an annual consumption of 8.1 million litres of fuel, Transdev Blazefield can expect to cut CO2 emissions by around 3,612 tonnes each year.
Use of biodiesel by Transdev comes amid a growing realisation of the benefits of renewable fuels in the coach and bus sector, with Transdev Blazefield the latest source to cite them as a potential bridge to cut carbon emissions during the transition period to zero-emission.
Speaking about the decision to adopt a high blend of biodiesel, Operations Director Vitto Pizzuti says: “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% degradable, less toxic than table sale and derived from renewable sources.
“At 15% concentration, biodiesel is significantly reducing emissions compared to regular diesel – 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 fully-electric buses.” The biodiesel mix is a ‘drop in’ replacement for 100% fossil diesel, Argent Fuel notes.
In addition to converting Transdev Blazefield’s Harrogate fleet to entirely zero-emission, its participation in successful Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas work involving North Yorkshire Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will see a total of 71 battery-electric delivered.
