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Biodiesel Trial Looks To Drive Environment Agency Future

18th October 2006

Recycled vegetable oil is being harnessed in a two-year biodiesel trial announced today, that will see 100 Environment Agency vehicles reducing their emissions by 20%. The trial will aim to demonstrate the environmental and economic viability of this part renewable fuel, with an independent auditor verifying the effects of long-term biodiesel use on the fleet.

By aligning emissions savings with Kyoto Protocol targets (20%) and welcoming a private courier service into the second year of the trial, the Environment Agency hopes to
not only prove that CO2 reduction targets can be achieved, but demonstrate that a commercial transport company can also run on alternative fuel.

"Like many organisations, the Environment Agency's biggest negative environmental impact comes from vehicle emissions," Environment Agency project manager Simon Dawes said. "By using a fuel that is partly non-fossil based in ouressential operational vehicles, we are striving to meet the high standards we demand of ourselves to use less resources and produce less CO2 .

"Biodiesel contains vegetable oil sourced from crops or recycled from the food industry, which is then processed to allow blending with normal, ultra low sulphur diesel. "By using recycled waste vegetable oil in a 22% blend - we can maximise the carbon saving from this fuel - helping us to achieve our aim of a 20% reduction in emissions."

One hundred Environment Agency badged vehicles stationed inLlandarcy, Launceston and Sale will be included in the trial. Our partners, Natural England, British Waterways,
Allied Bio Diesel Industries and our lab courier City Sprint will trial the fuel in their vehicles for the second year. "Extending the trial across these partner fleets will add
credibility to the results, while running biodiesel in a commercial courier will demonstrate that this fuel is viable in a commercial situation."

The B22 blend is an alternative fuel that can be used in regular diesel vehicles without the need for engine modifications. The trial hopes to provide evidence to manufacturers that currently will not warranty their vehicles for use of more than a five-percent blend, that this fuel does not damage vehicles in any way.

Funded by the Treasury's Invest to Save Budget (ISB), with the tendering process for acquiring an independent research body nearing completion, the trial will begin in April 2007.

The Environment Agency For England and Wales web site - www.environment-agency.gov.uk