CIE to examine using biofuels instead of diesel

CIÉ chairman John Lynch has ordered an investigation into the use of biofuels and hybrid electric/diesel engines in a bid to cut the company's soaring fuel bills.

CIÉ currently spends €34 million a year on diesel and although the company buys its diesel 18 months in advance, costs in 2005 have risen 40 per cent above 2004 levels.

A preliminary report prepared for Mr Lynch has warned that next year prices are expected to be double what the company paid in 2003. Now engineers at Dublin Bus have been asked to look at the possibility of using biofuel or hybrid engines across the three State transport companies, as a cheaper alternative to diesel.

In the past the CIÉ group's favoured position in being exempt from most of the State's excise duty has made biofuel an unrealistic proposition. But with rising prices, a range of alternative fuels is now being examined.

The move would also improve Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions and help achieve a current EU directive to secure 2 per cent of our fuel from alternative renewable sources. Engineers will also look at the prospects for future developments in the areas of biomass. Biomass is organic material such as decomposing waste which releases gases which can be captured to provide energy.

The most immediate option being examined by CIÉ is biodiesel, a blend of diesel and vegetable oil which could be used in diesel engines without modification. Biodiesel is widely used around the world. It is used in American army vehicles and by public bus companies in France.

Biodiesel is more environmentally friendly than regular diesel in that when the crops are growing they consume carbon and the oil has fewer emissions than regular diesel. It also reduces engine wear, is biodegradable and renewable.

Another option being investigated is pure vegetable oil which would require only minor modification to the engines of the vehicles. Vegetable oil is used to power a bus fleet in Gratz, Austria.

Hybrid vehicles would require a new fleet according to CIÉ and this would be a longer-term option for the company.