Dual Fuel Buses that Run on Both Diesel and Biomethane!

These days we are constantly bombarded by stories of new types of vehicles and alternative fuels that are less polluting and hence more environmentally friendly. This is a reflection of the state the world is in and the need of the hour in terms of reducing the damage caused to the environment by human activities.

So what’s the latest story?

Dual fuel buses in Britain that can run on both diesel and biomethane!

Whose idea is it?

Researchers at the Low Carbon Innovation Center (LCIC) in University of East Anglia (UEA).

Tell me more?

The dual-fuel vehicle is a standard Optare Solo single-deck diesel midibus from the Anglian Bus fleet. The original Mercedes-Benz engine that was powered by diesel has been adapted to run 60-80 percent of the time on clean, low-carbon biomethane.

What’s biomethane?

Chemically identical to methane in natural gas but is made by bacterial action on bio wastes. Biomethane is extracted from landfill sites or from biogas produced in purpose-built anaerobic digestion facilities.

The Benefits?

1. A reduction in particulate and NOx emissions of around 50% compared with diesel, leading to cleaner air in towns and cities.
2. Reduced operating costs on a cost per mile basis.
3. A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of around half as a result of using methane from landfill sites, food and agricultural waste.

via: AlphaGalileo