23.07.07
Virgin purify burgeoning biodiesel market
In a climate of carbon offsetting, CO2 reduction and the promotion of environmentally friendly travel and transportation, Tony Collins, CEO of Virgin Trains leads a host of speakers for this year’s biofuels conference Expo in Newark, 17-18 October 2007. Biofuels Conference 2007 runs alongside Biodiesel Expo and is the largest Biofuels event in Europe this year.
Virgin, who launched Europe’s first biodiesel passenger train last month, have created an additional shot in the arm for an already explosive industry with a pledge to invest 100% of any profits made by its train and plane companies, for the next ten years, into developing clean fuels.
The growth of biodiesel
It has also been reported that at least a further three rail companies are to trial biodiesel blends as part of what seems an inevitable switch to sustainable fuel resources. It’s easy to see why when the benefits of biodiesel are properly understood.
For every tonne produced, almost the same amount is saved in carbon emissions, plus there are potentially huge economic advantages for UK agriculture. Under the current Common Agricultural Policy, the arable raw materials needed for biodiesel production may be grown on set-aside land that would otherwise be taken out of production.
Various studies have estimated that the use of 1kg of biodiesel leads to the reduction of some 3kg of CO2. Biodiesel is extremely low in sulphur and has a high lubricity and fast biodegradability. These are all advantages which have been confirmed by the Auto Oil II programme.
Increased use of biodiesel in Europe represents an important step for the European Union in meeting its emission reduction target of 5% by 2012 as agreed under the Kyoto agreement. It is believed that reducing emission also alleviates various human health problems.
In specific cases, used vegetable oils can be recycled as feedstock for biodiesel production. This can reduce the disposal of used oils in the environment. Second generation base oils such as Jatropha and algae will become an important part of feedstock development.
However, with these enormous developments in the biofuels markets over the last couple of years, and with major challenges facing those in the industry, every player will need to exploit all opportunities to become successful.
Biofuels Conference 17-18 October 2007
The Biofuels Conference, running alongside the Biodiesel Expo, is the perfect opportunity for rail companies to further their sustainable fuel goals or ambitions.
The burgeoning conference programme includes speakers representing some of the country’s leading industry players, presenting keynote speeches and panel discussions on a broad range of topics such as sustainability, 2nd & 3rd generation biofuels, the Road Transportation Fuel Objective, profitability and of course the controversial ‘food vs. fuel’ debate.
As well as Tony Collins, additional speakers include:
• Rupert Furness, Department of Transport
• Philip New, BP Fuels
• Richard Olver, Deloitte
• Alan Lovell, Infinis
• Ian Munnery, United Oilseeds
• Amanda Barratt, Environment Agency
Plus Garin Webb of MK Biodiesel – the company behind McDonalds’ switch to 100% biodiesel for its transportation fleet.
Transport will figure high on the agenda with the Environment Agency calling for the Government to develop a long-term biofuels strategy, linking transport, fuel and energy in the context of climate change and rural strategy, plus the implications of fluctuating crude oil prices and how sustainable fuel can offset costs.
With over 100 industry exhibitors from both the UK and overseas, the event organised by Biofuels Media expects more than 4,000 visitors over the two days, learning about the latest developments in production, more about the benefits of biofuel.
Entry to Biodiesel-Expo 2007 is free to visitors pre-registering before 5 October and free for Biofuels Conference delegates.
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]