Council Begins Transition To Sustainable Fuel Vehicles

Belfast City Council has begun the transition of its diesel powered council vehicles to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

Elected members have approved the fuel switch following a HVO trial on a selection of vehicles during the summer of 2022.

HVO is a low carbon, zero sulphur fuel and is manufactured from waste renewable materials such as rapeseed and sunflower oil.

Welcoming the news, Councillor Ross McMullan, Chair of Belfast's People and Communities Committee said: "As a council we remain focused on the climate emergency and our aim to transition Belfast to a low carbon, inclusive, climate resilient city within a generation.

"The transition to move our fleet to this high quality, liquid fuel is really encouraging. HVO is stable and renewable whilst significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions on combustion. Not only is it a direct alternative for diesel with less pollutants in terms of air quality, but it will also require no modifications to council vehicles."

HVO is a clean liquid fuel, and it is estimated that running engines and vehicles with HVO will reduce total fuel C02 emissions by up to 90 per cent."

Councillor McMullan continued: "As a local authority, we can help advocate and accelerate climate ambition within the city and this progressive move aligns with the commitments we made as part of our climate action plans for the city.

"I look forward to the development of this decision including the process of ensuring that the fuel is derived from a sustainable and ethical source, and I hope we can continue to build momentum in tackling climate change in our city."