Plant power is being harnessed to fuel a car for the National Farming Union’s renewable energy chief, underlining the technical possibilities and importance of sustainable biofuels.  The low-emissions Elsbett Audi A6 diesel will run on pure vegetable oil fuel produced by British rapeseed growers.

 

Elsbett Ltd supplied NFU chief renewable energy adviser Jonathan Scurlock with the conversion technology for his Audi, enabling him to drive around the country on business without ever visiting a conventional filling station.  Signwritten “British Vegetable Oil Fuel” with the distinctive numberplate B10 UEL, Dr. Scurlock’s diesel car emphasises its connection to the fields of oilseed rape which line many of our major roads.



“We receive lots of enquiries from NFU members seeking advice on whether they can operate their road vehicles or tractors on rapeseed oil”, said Dr. Scurlock, “so it is good to obtain some personal technical experience with pure plant oil fuel.” 



“UK-sourced biofuels have already achieved some of the highest ratings for sustainability of supply and greenhouse gas savings under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), so this fits with the NFU position on the contribution of biofuels to energy security and tackling climate change.  With emissions as low as 50 grams of carbon dioxide emissions (net) per kilometre, I am delighted that my car is now one of the most climate-friendly on the road.” 



James Scruby, Managing Director of Elsbett Ltd, said: “We are pleased to supply Dr. Scurlock with the technology for his car and a regular supply of fuel.  Elsbett technology for pure plant oil operation is available for most commercial and domestic diesels, which will run without any loss of power, reliability or economy.  Elsbett Ltd looks forward to working further with the NFU and its members to encourage uptake of low-carbon fuels for both road and off-road use, and public policy which incentivises the enhanced greenhouse gas savings from fuels like UK rapeseed oil.  Carbon linking of the RTFO reward system and a certification scheme for UK-grown biofuels would be simple ways to achieve this.”