Future Fuel 7
Continuing with his exclusive blog for Fuel Oil News, covering news from COP26, Stephen Marcos Jones, director-general UKPIA, shares the latest updates from Transport Day with transport decarbonisation, low carbon fuels and hydrogen solutions.
Rocketing customer demand for alternative cleaner fuels sees Crown Oil expand with investment in a new site for continued growth
Logistics UK will launch its decarbonisation manifesto for the logistics industry virtually from COP26 in a free ‘Route to Net Zero’ webinar to be held on Transport Day – 10 November – at 11am.
Recognition of the potential for renewable liquid fuel solutions in decarbonising off-grid home heating is welcomed but industry calls for an end to ‘unacceptable limbo’.
The TSA has formally launched a new Energy Transition Charter affirming the bulk energy storage sector’s shared commitment to supporting the achievement of the UK’s climate neutrality targets.
The liquid fuel heating industry has today announced the second phase of its fossil fuel replacement demonstration as it commits to convert 200 homes and businesses across the UK from oil heating to the renewable fuel Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) this winter, amounting to an initial investment of over £800,000.
After almost a year of delays, the UK Government has published the long-awaited Heat and Buildings Strategy outlining plans to decarbonise heat and buildings. With the sector contributing 21% of UK emissions, this landmark document and associated consultations will shape the future of the home heating industry.
Crown Oil is celebrating after its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions secured a top industry award. The Bury-based fuel supplier was crowned the winner of the UKIFDA prestigious Green Award for 2021 – an award that recognises and rewards those in the liquid fuel industry that are leading the way in sustainability and environmental performance.
With funding support agreed by BEIS, Stanlow could be home to the UK’s first carbon-free hydrogen power plant contributing to decarbonisation as part of the transition to future fuels.
A Scottish Enterprise report heralds Scotland as a world-leading producer of clean hydrogen within the next ten years and finds that the technologies and deployment will be paramount to the success of Scotland’s target of net zero by 2045
In a significant expansion of its future fuels capabilities, marine energy specialist KPI OceanConnect has announced the launch of its Alternative Fuels and Special Projects division led by Bill Wakeling, an expert in marine fuels. As pressure intensifies for the shipping industry to become more sustainable, the new division will capitalise on its experience and expertise to enable its clients to achieve net-zero emissions from their marine fuels.
Bill Wakeling will head up this new division of KPI OceanConnect, a leading global broker and trader in marine fuels for more than 50 years and will lead on all matters relating to alternative fuels and decarbonisation, as well as exploring opportunities for new ventures and projects. With his rich experience in marine fuels, Bill is well-positioned to lead this new function, and drive measurable environmental and sustainability change throughout the marine fuel supply chain.
Speaking on his appointment, Bill commented: “I’m honoured to lead KPI OceanConnect’s alternative fuels and sustainability operations at a time where the industry must accelerate its decarbonisation progress in line with the International Maritime Organization’s 2030 and 2050 targets.
“In the last 18 months, we’ve helped our partners successfully navigate through IMO 2020, and showcased our agility and innovation by completing one of the shipping industry’s first carbon offsets. However, there is no shortage of challenges for shipowners and operators as they seek to realise a more sustainable future, and we’ll be working with them side by side through our long-term partnership approach to help achieve their sustainability ambitions and regulatory compliance.”
Commenting on the announcement, KPI OceanConnect’s CEO, Søren Høll, said: “This new function signifies our commitment to advancing decarbonisation in the maritime industry, and Bill Wakeling is the ideal person to head it up; there are few people with his track record, marine fuels expertise, and commercial awareness.
Our clients have a growing and sustained need for innovative solutions that can enable them to fulfil their green objectives, and they’re going to be in very safe hands with Bill and his team.”
Crown Oil has partnered with Kao Data, specialist developer and operator of advanced, carrier neutral data centres for high performance colocation, as the company takes further steps towards its net zero ambitions by becoming the UK’s first data centre to transition all backup generators at its Harlow campus to HVO fuel. This pioneering move, made possible by the partnership, means Kao Data will eliminate up to 90% of net CO2 from their backup generators and significantly reduce nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions.
“HVO fuel is dramatically better for the environment compared to traditional, mineral diesels. It is 100% renewable, biodegradable, sustainable and non-toxic,” said Simon Lawford, technical sales manager, Crown Oil. “We’re proud to have worked with Kao Data to initiate a first-of-its kind project, which will be transformative for the data centre industry, and help point the way forward for significant reductions in industrial greenhouse gas emissions.”
Today, Kao Data delivers one of the UK’s most sustainable colocation data centre campuses. Its existing initiatives include using 100% renewable energy, utilising 100% refrigerant-free indirect evaporative cooling technologies, and incorporating hyperscale inspired design to deliver a market-leading PUE of <1.2, even at partial loads. In line with its commitments as a signatory of the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact (CNDCP), the use of Crown Oil HVO fuel marks another significant step in the company’s plans to become a fully carbon neutral data centre operator by 2030. The company will replace an initial 45,000 litres of diesel and switch to an HVO provision of more than 750,000 litres when the campus is fully developed.
Using HVO also offers a number of additional benefits in respect of infrastructure reliability. It eliminates microbial growth, which generates sludge that can contaminate fuel lines and potentially lead to engine shut down. HVO requires no modification to existing infrastructure and can be used as a direct replacement for diesel. It has a storage life that is ten times that of standard diesel and offers resilient year-round performance in both low and high temperatures. It is also easier to maintain, free from aromatics, sulphur and metals, odourless and completely biodegradable.
“This pioneering approach to replace our generator’s diesel provision with HVO fuel, is a key step in the company’s efforts to become net zero, and a further demonstration of our leadership in the international data centre sustainability field,” said Gérard Thibault, chief technology officer at Kao Data. “This move effectively eliminates fossil fuels from our data centre operations and helps us reduce Scope 3 emissions in our customers’ supply chain, while delivering no degradation to the service they receive. Most importantly, it shows how our industry can take a simple and highly beneficial step forward for the good of the environment, ahead of COP26.”
Hydrogen is set to play a key role in decarbonising the global energy system and investment in the deployment of hydrogen production is accelerating, with national governments making increasingly ambitious commitments to the sector. As the world works to recover from the impact of coronavirus, the UK has a chance to build back better. We hear from Huw Bement, director of CompEx, the certification body that is already supporting the development of a competent workforce in a bid to make the UK a global leader in green technologies, to hear his thoughts on the challenge of developing tomorrow’s skills today.
During the Spring Budget 2021, Rishi Sunak announced that the government will provide £27m for the Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone, helping to support North East Scotland play a “leading role” in meeting the nation’s net-zero ambitions. In addition, the UK government said it would provide £4.8million of funding to support the development of a hydrogen hub in Holyhead, Wales, which will pilot the creation of hydrogen from renewable energy that will be used as a zero-emission fuel in HGVs.
A competent and skilled workforce is vital
With regard to the implications for future skill requirements Huw explains: “The characteristics of hydrogen are well understood and already covered within existing international standards in relation to explosive atmospheres. However, hydrogen does behave differently when compared to other conventional gas fuels
because of its molecular size and weight, which means that it is more prone to leakage and will rise and disperse quickly in open environments.
So, whilst existing knowledge and skills are directly applicable, it is still important to ensure that there is a flexible, multi-skilled and competent workforce ready to facilitate the transition to an increasingly decarbonised energy system.
“The UK has all of the ingredients to become a leading producer and exporter of
hydrogen,” Huw continues. “However, if we are to fulfil the ambitions set out in OGUK’s (the leading representative body for the UK offshore oil and gas industry) roadmap to 2035, then it is vital we have a competent and skilled workforce. Our relationship with industry is critical to ensure that we can continue to provide a certification scheme that reflects future occupational requirements. Changing
technology will shape the skills needed but also how we train and assess people.
“We’re already consulting with key stakeholders within industry as to what a
competent skilled workforce will look like for the future. Competency is more than knowing your subject, it’s about your ability to apply and synthesise it in different contexts. We are committed to help equip workers with the right skills and capabilities, as well as work closely with the UK government and the devolved
administrations to build a sustainable recovery and support a net-zero future.
“This isn’t about reinventing the wheel, either. Since its inception over 25 years ago, CompEx has evolved, and is ready to support the emerging hydrogen sector. We already provide competency validation across a range of sectors including food manufacturing, pharmaceutical and of course petrochemical. It is critical that we continue to update the scheme, for example we are developing a Maritime Fuels module in response to a major cruise line which is moving from heavy fuel
oil to liquid natural gas-powered vessels. By recognising the unique challenges that these different industrial applications require of competent individuals operating in a variety of hazardous areas, CompEx is well-placed to support on developing a competent workforce for a diverse range of sectors, including the transition to green energy.”
Huw Bement joined certification body, CompEx, as executive director in January 2021 and has already started looking at ways to guide the scheme through thenext phase of its journey. CompEx has an incredible legacy spanning nearly 30 years, so Huw is working to ensure that the needs of all its stakeholders are met for many more years to come. Huw aims to leverage CompEx’s technical expertise to increase the scheme’s reach and support improvements to standards and safety.
Recycled vegetable oil is being used for the first time to heat a home in Scotland. The revolutionary renewable fuel has been identified as a key alternative clean energy source in the battle against climate change.
The Fuellers are very excited to be currently planning the second Earl of Wessex Conference, to be held on 15th November 2021, at the prestigious Royal College of Physicians, Regent’s Park.
Carrie Marsh, Master Elect of the Worshipful Company of Fuellers commented: “Our first conference, held in November 2019, provided an entertaining and informative day, and was very well received. It was one of the highlights of the year for the Fuellers and a great way for Fuellers to interact with both the wider industry and our charity partners. We are hoping to do even better this time around.”
Cornwall-based liquid fuel distributor for the South-West Mitchell & Webber has won the UKIFDA Innovation Award for being at the forefront of the sector’s Future Fuels campaign and for making a real difference in the industry’s drive to make renewable liquid fuel a viable alternative to heating oil for off the gas grid properties.
Sponsored by industry trade magazine Fuel Oil News, UKIFDA launched the Innovation Award in 2021 to find and commend the one thing that makes the industry stand out – and will always support the most innovative products, services, or initiatives.
Wrightbus, already leading the world with its pioneering hydrogen technology, today unveiled the latest addition to its zero-emission arsenal – a rapid-charge electric double-deck.
North West fuel supplier Crown Oil is now running its entire fleet on renewable diesel fuel as it commits to reduce its direct CO2 greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent.
The Greater Manchester business, part of the £420m-turnover Crown Oil family of companies, believes it is the first supplier in the UK to run all of its oil delivery vehicles on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
Crown Oil, based in Bury, has now called on the UK government to introduce tax relief on fuels such as HVO to encourage greater uptake.
The family-owned business predicts a saving of around 3,080 tonnes of CO2 in 12 months from running its 85 delivery vehicles on HVO compared to standard diesel. To put this into context, one tonne of carbon dioxide is the average emission of one passenger on a return flight between Paris and New York.
Crown’s fleet is made up of HGVs, pickups, trailers and vans which are all approved to run on HVO fuel without technical adjustments or any reduction in vehicle performance.
HVO offers a fast and simple step towards net zero without the need for electrification or vehicle modifications, reducing net CO2 emissions by 90 per cent and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 27 per cent.
Managing director Matthew Greensmith said it was important for Crown Oil to set the standard as it aims to become the UK’s leading alternative fuels supplier. The move showcases the fuel’s ability to perform faultlessly as a diesel alternative, he said, and will enable the business to significantly reduce its direct greenhouse gas emissions.
Matthew said: “We can’t expect others to make a change without leading by example, and we’re proud to run our entire fleet on HVO.
“We believe we’re currently the first and only UK supplier to power our vehicles with the renewable diesel and we hope it encourages businesses to go green with their fleets too.”
Since heavily investing in HVO in 2018, Crown’s customers have saved 18,945 tonnes of CO2 by switching over to the renewable diesel. Crown HVO can be used in vehicles, commercial boilers (running on gas oil), tractors, generators, machinery and inland waterway vessels.
The oil supplier is pioneering change within the industry and has called on the UK government to follow the example of Sweden by introducing duty relief on fuels such as HVO to encourage uptake.
Matthew added: “When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we hope the government will adopt a multi-point strategy to include the use of high-content renewable fuels in addition to the development of the electric vehicle market.
“In 2017, the Swedish government passed a bill that enabled biofuels to be subject to tax exemption, which led to a 124% increase in HVO sales in October 2017 compared with the previous year.
“The UK government is planning to scrap red diesel duty relief for many sectors from 1 April 2022 to encourage the use of cleaner alternatives and we are calling for duty relief on fuels such as HVO to help encourage uptake.”
UKIFDA has revealed it will be donating £2,000 to National Energy Action (NEA) from the proceeds of this year’s UKIFDA EXPO and Future Fuels conference being held on 7-8 July.
“We are delighted to announce our plans to donate £2,000 to NEA from the profits of our UKIFDA EXPO 2021,” says Ken Cronin, UKIFDA chief executive.
Redruth-based Mitchell and Webber, the first company in the UK to put HVO fuel to the test during the successful trials started last November, has supplied the renewable hydrotreated vegetable oil to heat a primary school in Gwinear.
Mitchell and Webber director John Weedon commented: “We all appreciate the need to help the environment as a priority and these trials are to ensure the fuel will work well when converting existing set-ups.
“We are pleased that only a low-cost conversion is needed in many cases and so far tests are extremely promising with all boilers performing well.”
Gwinear Community Primary School is the first in the country to use the renewable liquid fuel. Head teacher, Lee Gardiner, said: “Since our school is such a historic building it is extremely difficult to insulate using more modern techniques. Installing a completely new system would likely be disruptive to daily school life and could possibly damage such an important structure.
“So when I saw the success of Mitchell and Webber’s HVO conversions in other settings across Cornwall, I knew I had found the perfect option for Gwinear.”
Local MP and Secretary of State for environment, food and rural affairs, George Eustice, said on visiting the school: “It could be a very important stepping stone on the way to net zero in rural areas like this.
“There are a lot of people still reliant on old oil-fired boilers and this is a more environmentally-friendly fuel.
“They’re getting good results on boilers large and small.”
Fuel Oil News looks forward to seeing more success stories highlighting the positive future for alternative liquid fuels.
Despite objections, Certas Energy’s plans for a new £1.5 million fuel depot on the Isle of Wight have been given the go ahead, with Certas promising to be on the Island “for the long-haul”.
Croftamie based James D Bilsland recently shared images of its brand new tanker, running on HVO.
Jodie Allan, manager, James D Bilsland commented: “We have just purchased a new truck from RTN and have made the decision to run this vehicle on HVO, enabling us to reduce our carbon emissions by up to 90% with this vehicle and start decarbonising the rest of our fleet. We are pleased to be able to offer this fuel to customers looking to decarbonise, as it is a great product that produces positive results without any modification to vehicles.”
The company is currently partaking in the first trials of using HVO renewable fuels as an alternative to home heating oil in Scotland, as part of the future fuels trial.
Jodie continued: “We are so far pleased with how HVO is performing as an alternative to Kerosene in the domestic market within a property that we have converted.”
With UK developments in sustainable fuel increasing both the range available, as well as the ways in which they can be used, OTS Group identified the need to ensure that there are appropriate fuel delivery, storage and maintenance systems available for these sustainable fuels. Working with organisations like the Fuel Experts Association (FEA), which represents companies who are developing clean energy and clean liquid biofuels such as HVO, the group has developed its sustainable fuels storage offering.
OTS Group, the UK distributor for the ‘Green’ storage tanks, is leading the way to aid end users with temporary (and permanent) storage solutions for sustainable fuels, which are available for purchase, hire or loan, while they evaluate their desired route for sustainability.
The flagship products are the double-walled polyethylene tanks intended for storage and distribution of HVO (or other biodiesel fuels). These tanks are made of high-quality polyethylene, the main feature of which is resistance to various weather conditions and come with built in dispensing equipment stowed in a secure cabinet.
The AdBlue® tanks are made of special materials compliant with DIN 70 070, a European Chemical Industry standard, due to the corrosive properties of the substance.
“Throughout this constant evolution, innovation has remained the underlying principle to everything we do,” comments OTS Group chairman, Bruce Woodal, and managing director Steve Gain believes that there is a bright future for clean drop-in fuels: “One of the main opportunities for these fuels is that they can be manufactured to directly replace conventional fossil fuels (so called “drop-in” fuels) which means that the uptake is likely to be quick and widespread as it can be used by the existing fleet.”
There are currently in excess of 34 million passenger vehicles on the road in the UK using conventional engines, and more will be added between now and 2035.
Nicholl Fuel Oils has installed Northern Ireland’s first hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuelling facility at its Carryduff 24-hour forecourt with plans to make this new, renewable biofuel available across all of the Nicholl Auto 365 forecourts as well as available for bulk purchase in 2021/2022.