Biofuels for Transport

Biofuels for Transport, the first pilot project of its kind between the Department of Transport and the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce was unveiled last month. John Loughran reports.

Biofuels for Transport, an initiative under Transport 21, part of the National Development Plan is a high profile project that will involve the practical use of pure plant oil among key transport users, such as hauliers and bus operators. The intention of the project is to demonstrate a viable, replicable green transport model for Ireland.

The pilot programme, estimated to cost Eur. 2 million will have a user base of 50 vehicles running on pure plant oil by the end of 2007. Depending on the outcome of the pilot programme, the scheme could be rolled out nationwide next year.
The Department of Transport says there are inherent benefits for hauliers and bus operators, not least the fact that 75% funding is available to those operators that are chosen to participate in the programme. But it isn’t all about financial incentives.
The Department is keen to point out that there are other benefits to the programme. The programme will be organised as a “one stop shop” where everything will be organised for participants. If you are interested in participating in a biofuels programme, this one has it all.

The Department says the programme will offer high visibility for all vehicles that take part in the project, and the company’s that get involved will benefit from high profile PR campaigns.
Importantly participation in the programme would open a door for participants and give them access to expertise from all around the world.
The programme is open to key transport operators, technology suppliers, farmers, pure plant oil producers, distributors and biofuel experts and the Department says that those chosen will benefit greatly from the programme.
Advantages for all Stakeholders

The Biofuels for Transport project is aimed at increasing co-operation among biofuel stakeholders and creating best-practise localised pure plant oil models in Ireland. The benefits for hauliers have been outlined above, but there are also benefits for the other stakeholders.
Engine modification kit suppliers and installers will be given the opportunity to extend their key customer base, broaden awareness about their business and open up PR opportunities and press coverage. Similar benefits are also available to the other stakeholders.
The Department says the benefits for hauliers run much deeper than high visibility, PR and grant aid, although this writer can understand why hauliers might be attracted to these perks.

The bottom line is that there are environmental benefits from running a truck on pure plant oil. There are also cost savings, and opportunities for learning the practical usage of pure plant oil and other biofuel alternatives.
The programme will give participating hauliers updates on developments within the biofuels industry in Ireland, the names and addresses of suppliers of pure plant oil, and guidelines in terms of vehicle maintenance amongst a whole raft of practical information.
While many hauliers have probably tinkered with the notion of converting one or more of their vehicles to run on pure plant oil, the fact that there is a dearth of information in the marketplace has deterred many hauliers from taking the plunge.

However, those that are chosen to participate in this programme will benefit from information on case studies of fleets of vehicles run on biofuels across Europe. They will also have access to a network of stakeholders in the biofuels industry: transport operators, biofuel producers, biofuel technology, distribution & infrastructure as well as access to worldwide expertise & consultancy in the field of biofuels for transport.
Vehicle Suitability
Not every vehicle is suitable for a pure plant oil conversion and the Department has drawn up a list of criteria for intending applicants. The pattern of usage of the vehicle will affect its technical suitability to use pure plant oil as a fuel.
The following criteria should be met:
• vehicle(s) must be suitable for engine modification (subject to advice of technical experts)
• vehicle(s) should clock high mileage (over 20,000 miles) on a yearly basis
• vehicle(s) should be used primarily for long distance driving
• vehicle(s) must currently run on diesel

Operator Requirements
Transport operators participating in the scheme will be required to complete a short monthly evaluation form until the completion of the scheme in November.
They will also have to participate in the Department’s PR campaigns, which will involve placing high visibility stickers on their vehicles.
Participants will also be asked to take part in other aspects of the project, including attending three information sessions, throughout the programme as well as providing used samples of of used engine oil lubricants.

Project Procedure
1. Fill out application form for project participation available at: www.biofuelsfortransport.ie
2. Deadline for receipt of applications from transport operators: 30 March 2007
3. The completion of this application form is not a guarantee of your participation in the project.
4. An impartial panel of adjudicators will choose suitable candidates from the applicants, based on a number of criteria including suitability of vehicles & location. This decision is final.
5. You will be informed whether you have qualified for the project by 13 April 2007.
6. If you qualify for participation, you will be provided with a list of registered kit installers & suppliers of PPO that meets required standards. You will also be assisted in the procedure of having your engine modified to run on pure plant oil. NB: Your engine does not lose the ability to run on diesel.
7. You will be provided with a list of pure plant oil and distribution points throughout Ireland.
8. You will be required to pay only 25% of the installed cost of the modification kit.
9. We will provide you with stickers and other high visibility features for your vehicle.
10. The Deaprtment will provide numerous PR opportunities for your company and your pure plant oil vehicles.
11. You will be required to complete short monthly evaluation forms on the performance of your vehicle.