Brisbane Ferries trial new environmentally friendly fuel
1/12/2006
The use of environmentally friendly fuel in Brisbane City Council’s ferry fleet could soon replace the use of traditional fossil fuel following trials currently being conducted.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the trial, partly funded through a Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund (QSEIF) grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which replaced traditional diesel fuel with organic biodiesel in some of Council's ferry fleet was already showing encouraging results.
"This biodiesel trial is one of the first in Australia’s marine industry, with two of Brisbane City Council's 10 monohull ferries currently running on the new product, which is generated at a purpose-built plant just north of Brisbane," Cr Newman said.
"Biodiesel is an organic fuel made from vegetable oil or animal fat mixed with alcohol and can be produced from domestically grown oilseed plants such as canola.
"It can be utilised in any existing diesel engine with only minor modifications required and has quite low or no emissions, depending on the blend with traditional fossil fuels."
Brisbane City Council is currently using a 'B50' blend, which is 50% biodiesel and 50% ultra-low sulphur diesel, with plans to eventually increase to a full biodiesel product that does not produce any harmful emissions.
Given the new product has similar properties to everyday diesel, it is possible to blend biodiesel with ordinary diesel in any ratio.
"Increased use of biodiesel is great news for Brisbane residents because it reduces our dependence on traditional fossil fuels and is environmentally sound," Cr Newman said.
"More widespread use of biodiesel will also help protect the fragile environment on Moreton Bay in the event of a spill, as pollution from traditional fuels can be so extreme in marine situations."
For more information on the biodiesel trial, phone Council on 3403 8888.
Brisbane City Council Commences Diesel Emissions Testing
Brisbane's Lord Mayor Campbell Newman launched Council's vehicle emissions testing facility on 3 June. Targeting heavy diesel vehicles, the facility is transportable and available for use by both internal and external fleets, making it the first of its kind in Queensland. The Department of the Environment and Heritage provided over $1.5 million for the purchase of emissions testing equipment.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman speaking at the opening of Brisbane City Council's heavy diesel vehicle emission testing facility
Diesel vehicles, particularly when not well-maintained, make a disproportionately high contribution to air pollution and have the potential to cause adverse health effects and detract from urban amenity. As such, the reduction of diesel emissions is a priority for the Council as part of the Brisbane Air Quality Strategy. The vehicle emission testing facility demonstrates Council's ongoing commitment to reduce air pollution from diesel vehicles and follows other successful Council initiatives such as the provision of gas buses and the introduction of cleaner ultra-low sulfur diesel.
Emission testing will enhance vehicle maintenance, assist fleet managers to improve maintenance procedures through diagnostic information about the vehicle and will provide better fuel efficiency and improved longevity of vehicles. Emissions testing will also enable evaluation of the benefits of alternative fuels.
The facility will be able to provide the emission testing service referred to in the Federal Government's Energy White Paper Securing Australia's Energy Future. From 1 July 2006, to be eligible for excise credits, users must establish that their heavy vehicle is not a high polluter. Passing the Diesel NEPM in-service emission standard (the DT80) is one of five acceptable criteria for excise credit eligibility.
Under the Measures for a Better Environment Program, the Australian Government has allocated over $20 million to support the development and implementation of emissions testing. In addition to Brisbane City Council, funds have been provided to support projects in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria.
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