Diesel Fuel Alternative Tested in the UK

There could be a reliable, cleaner alternative fuel coming soon to a construction site near you. Test on the new fuel were conducted on a high-speed railway network under construction in the U.K.

Emissions tests were conducted using two 20-ton excavators, a Liebherr R920 and a Komatsu PC210. The fuels tested included standard red diesel (EN590) to provide a baseline for comparative purposes, red diesel with F18 fuel additive and two biofuels: hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) and Enhanced HVO.

Researchers say both machines had exhaust gas after treatment technology installed to reduce nitrogen dioxide and particle emissions. The study seems to indicate older machines may be able to reduce emissions better through the use of alternative fuels.

“On-site trials provide a real-world testing environment and are important to inform future solutions," said Neil Wait, head of environmental sciences for HS2.

"While this testing showed limited air quality benefits from the use of biofuels, it’s clear that they are part of the construction industry’s transition to low carbon solutions, with potential CO2 savings that can be achieved through the sustainable sourcing of raw materials used in the fuels," Wait added.

The study recommends where biofuels are used, they be in line with the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), which regulates biofuels used for transport and non-road mobile machinery.

Researchers also recommend biofuel providers should be registered with recognized assurance schemes such as the Zemo Partnership Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme.