Dublin Bus considering biofuels switch

Dublin Bus is considering running its fleet of vehicles on biofuels to save money on spiralling fuel costs.

The firm, which will spend €10m on diesel this year, said fuel costs have jumped by 40% this year.

Dublin Bus will test the viability of installing vehicle technology to burn alternative fuels made from vegetable oil or animal fats over the next three months.

“These alternatives are now getting renewed attention in the light of rising oil prices,” said spokesperson Gráinne Mackin.

“Certain alternative fuel and energy technologies which were previously considered uneconomical are now being re-evaluated.

“Our review is also taking into account the need to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and to reduce dependence on imported oil.”

Areas to be covered by the review will include:

:: the use of biofuels/vegetable oils

:: the use of fuel efficient hybrid-vehicles with an electric motor with a diesel-fuelled engine

:: the prospects for future developments in the areas of renewable energy from bio-mass and other sources

CIÉ’s overall annual fuel requirement for 2005 is 84,000 tonnes and fuel bills reached €34m last year.

“It is CIÉ policy to hedge its fuel requirement 12 to 18 months in advance,” said Ms Mackin.

Hybrid electric vehicles are currently 50% more expensive than standard models, but this should reduce as volumes increase.