The role of HVO and drop-in fuels will expand as zero-emission coach work develops, says Zemo
Jonathan Murray, Policy and Operations Director at Zemo Partnership, has underscored the importance of a multi-faceted energy approach to decarbonise the coach sector – emphasising the central role that low-carbon fuels will likely play in the coming years.
A key consideration for sustainable fuels will be the existing fleet, alongside what fuels those vehicles can operate with, according to Mr Murray.
“We’re at the blend rule in terms of standard petrol and diesel – E10 and B8 – and the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation has done as much as it can to decarbonise those within that existing rule,” he says. “We either have to break through that blend rule by going with HVO-derived and drop-in fuels, or we have to go to high-blend fuels.”
At that stage, considerations of engines and warranties that manufacturers provide on those engines, and what they can cope with, will have to be made – which Mr Murray warns is a “knotty” issue.
“The role of sustainable fuels is also linked with the fuel distribution system, and how that fuel could be provided – whether in bulk or at coach refuelling sites,” he adds.
Sustainable fuels will form part of a multi-faceted approach. Mr Murray says electrification looks promising for predictable inter-city routes, with suitability limited for operations with longer range or varied use. Mr Murray notes that hydrogen is still finding its footing in the market. Generation and distribution are pivotal concerns for Zemo, but there is optimism about emerging hydrogen fuel cell-electric coach product.
He remarks on the early stages of hydrogen vehicle development and emphasises the need economic viability and infrastructure development, particularly concerning fuel distribution and production economics.
Echoing a statement made by Under-Secretary of State for Transport Richard Holden, the challenges of the coach market – that being primarily one of scale – mean it will likely benefit from advancements made first in other sectors, such as heavy goods vehicles.
“There’s quite clearly an appetite out there,” Mr Murray adds. “Where incentives and some public support has been available, we can see that people have taking these solutions forward.
“I can see an extension of utilising vehicles where there is public and financial support for demonstrating and trialling these technologies. Other than that, the focus is going to be on what can be done around HVO, and increasingly, the use of sustainable low carbon fuels.”
