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Peugeot’s new 308, along with all Peugeot HDi diesels made since 1998, can run without modification on a 30 per cent blend of biodiesel with mineral diesel, known as B30. Peugeot claims that operation on this fuel leads to around 20 per cent further reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions, bringing the net emissions from the Peugeot 308 to below 100g CO2/km.
B30 “high-blend” biodiesel fuel is available at a limited number of forecourts in the West Midlands and nationwide and biofuel processing plants are already operational or under construction on Teesside, Humberside and in Norfolk.
To celebrate sustainable UK-produced biofuels coming on stream, the NFU has taken delivery of a new low-emissions Peugeot 308 just weeks before the Government announces its commitment to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation targets.
The NFU’s 308 runs on a 30 per cent blend of biodiesel made from British oil seed rape and used cooking oil, and it will be driven around the country on business by NFU chief renewable energy adviser Jonathan Scurlock.
“It is vital that we highlight the sustainability of biofuels produced in the UK, and their contribution to energy security and tackling climate change,” said Dr Scurlock. “Biofuels can be made from a wide variety of plant material such as vegetable oils, wheat and sugar beet, and can greatly reduce carbon emissions while meeting practicable environmental standards of production.
“By producing clean and secure sources of renewable energy, including biofuels, farmers and growers are already playing an important role in mitigating climate change, while at the same time ensuring UK food security by providing fresh, quality produce.”
James Ross of Harvest Energy Ltd, the fuel’s supplier added: “We are pleased we have been able to use recycled and UK farmed material to bring this proven high quality Harvest B30 Biodiesel fuel to the market place. The UK supply makes the sustainability aspect of this fuel that much easier to clarify. The bio element of the fuel currently gives a GHG saving of over 56 per cent versus mineral diesel taking into account the whole life cycle including farming and fertiliser*. Major vehicle manufacturers have been able to approve this fuel.”
Managing Director at Peugeot Motor Company PLC Pierre Louis Colin said: “Customers who want to drive a ‘green’ environmentally conscious car can do so ideally with Peugeot’s new 308, which, running on biofuel, has no impact on performance yet has one of the lowest net CO2 emissions for its class.”
The Government’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation comes into effect on April 15 2008, requiring all road fuels to contain 2.5 per cent biodiesel or bioethanol by volume, rising to 5 per cent by 2010-2011. Biofuel blends of up to 5 per cent are entirely compatible with all cars already on the road today, and comply with the existing EU petrol and diesel standards. Some biofuel blends like this have been on the market for several years now, and many motorists may have used them without realising any difference.
