William Tebbit got into biofuels because he was involved in building a portfolio of power generation assets that needed to run on renewable fuel. He trialled one called GreenD and and couldn’t believe how good it was. In fact, his team liked it so much, they bought the company.
On this week’s Mobility Moments, Tebbit, now the CEO of the UK’s Green Biofuels, discusses what he calls ‘the best kept secret in renewable fuels’. And how his company is helping the likes of the luxury automotive brand Bentley become more eco-friendly.
Describe Green D+
Green D+ is a sustainable renewable paraffinic diesel substitute. It reduces harmful emissions of NOx and Total Particular Matter (TPM). Being a drop-in fuel, it can be used immediately and without any changes to equipment, engines or fuel tanks – it can even be mixed with regular diesel in the tank.
What are its key benefits for the transport industry?
Being an organic waste-derived fuel, it reduces the greenhouse gas emissions significantly, and drops into your diesel engine with no modifications needed. All motor transport, plant and machinery can instantly reduce negative environmental impact and help protect local air quality.
Where does it come from and how clean is it?
The HVO in Green D+ fuel is manufactured in a number of refineries around the world. The fuel is entirely made from waste materials such as used cooking oils, tallows and other waste oil including a special additive not found in any other HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuels.
The fuel does not include any virgin crops; all waste products used are approved and defined in REDII (Renewable Energy Directive)
Independent tests have shown that using Green D+ fuel reduces particulate emissions by up to 86%, Nitrogen Oxides by up to 30% and CO2e levels by up to 90% compared to regular diesel.
How are you helping Bentley reduce emissions?
“We have started supplying Bentley to help them achieve end-to-end carbon neutrality by 2030. By using Green D+, they have become the first luxury automotive brand to run its in-house logistics on 100 per cent renewable fuel.
A 34,000 litre ‘Green D+’ HVO tank and pump now fuels the ten HGV logistics trucks that transfer parts between Bentley’s Crewe site and storage depot in Winsford on a daily basis and over 20 smaller on-site security vehicles and delivery vans.
With CO2 emissions reduced by over 86 per cent, of a total of almost 300,000 miles clocked up by in-house vehicles every year, over 250,000 miles of them are now effectively ‘emissions free’.
What is your reaction to the UK government’s decision to ban diesel and petrol cars from 2030?
I grew up in a political household; I understand the demands made of our politicians. While I am delighted that statements of intent are being made, I am only too aware that words need to be matched by actions. We cannot wait; there are technologies available today that have an immediate impact on air quality and reduce GHG.
These need to be adopted as widely as possible where they have the greatest impact; around construction sites, school buses and coaches, commercial fleets delivering goods and operating in populated areas.
We need to ensure that a 10-year lead time does not allow any government an excuse not to deliver on these promises for a decade. It is encouraging that there will be some measurable plans – however we are already seeing the private sector take matters into its own hands.
It’s not only the likes of Bentley that are making quick and significant reductions in emissions, but we are seeing major construction companies and fleet operators play their part by using low-emission solutions and reviewing processes to decrease environmental impact and protect local air quality.
What role can bio-fuels play in the future, in an increasingly electrified world?
Biofuels are a transition technology. While we are excited for mass electrification, there will be a percentage of legacy vehicles, machinery and equipment for many years after that point which will still require diesel to operate.
Biofuels like Green D+ will be able to ensure that these run as environmentally efficient as possible until they are eventually phased out completely.
What will road transport and logistics look like by 2030?
Although we want to continually move towards a greener and more sustainable future – there is no silver bullet. We will still need to transport goods and a lot will still be moved by road. We will likely be making use of multiple fuel sources; possibly hydrogen, electricity and Green D+!
It’s simply impossible to perceive that the capital will be available to totally replace the diesel engine and the true cost of total life cycle carbon will be better understood. The National Grid today; right now, produces electric with 182g CO2e per KWhr; that’s not zero emissions! GreenD+ produces 34gCO2e per KWhr; and that doesn’t change if it’s night time or the wind is not blowing or the French interconnect fails.
So, let’s get real; by 2030, we will need to understand the benefits of using multiple solutions and be honest about the strength and weaknesses of each of them.
Keyword: “The Best Kept Secret in Renewable Fuels” – Mobility Moments With Green Biofuels CEO William Tebbit