The First UK Garage To Sell Biodiesel

On 11-July-2002 Holbrook Garage & The Green Shop once again show their pioneering environmental leadership by becoming the first garage in the UK to sell biodiesel to the general public.

The opening of the new pump marks an important milestone in the fight to reduce carbon emissions. Speaking at the opening event David Jamieson the UK Under Secretary of State for Transport and minister responsible for alternative transport fuels said:

"There are substantial environmental benefits to be gained, and I hope this is the first of very many outlets to sell biodiesel.

Roger Budgeon, owner of the Holbrook Garage said:

"With our Green Shop we are a pioneering garage with a reputation for introducing a new generation of more sustainable products for customers."

"GlobalDiesel is a big step forward. Part renewable with lower greenhouse gas emissions, lower tailpipe emissions, delivering improved fuel economy and suitable for all diesel engines without conversion, I think this will be a huge success and will give my customers a real choice that makes both environmental and economic sense."

and Andrew Owens, MBE, Chairman of Greenergy, commented that:

"This is a pioneering day in the development of the fuels sector and the start of a nationwide rollout that will give motorists a real choice in the type of fuels they buy."

The fuel, Greenergy GlobalDiesel, is made using rapeseed oil, a renewable energy source, and Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel. GlobalDiesel is the UK's first low-emission bio-diesel blend and can be used in any diesel car without the need for engine modification - and meets manufacturers' warrantees. Developed by Greenergy, Britain's leading independent clean-fuels supplier, GlobalDiesel is the practical solution to growing concerns about global warming and local air quality. Uniquely GlobalDiesel comes with a guaranteed five per cent reduction in CO2 emissions against standard ULSD and up to 28 per cent lower emissions of particulates.

Whilst the fuel at present contains only 5% rapeseed oil we have to start somewhere. This is the maximum that is permitted by the current British standard specification for diesel and supported by all vehicle manufacturers, although some models will run on richer blends. As the fuel becomes more available and demand increases there is no reason why a much higher percentage of vegetable oil cannot be added to the mixture. After all diesel engines can run on pure vegetable oil. As Roger says:

"This is a step in the right direction. When manufacturers start designing their engines to pure biodiesel that will be great. But that is tomorrow, for today this is as good as it gets."

For more information visit the Greenergy website

For info on using pure vegetable oil as a biofuel try Veggiepower, Veggie Van or Veg-Oil-Car - or the book From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank

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