Virgin trains to eco-chug on biodiesel
Sir Richard Branson is launching Europe's first biodiesel train on his Virgin rail network today. The train will use a blended fuel which can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and is part of a national biodiesel programme to get the rail industry to go green. As part of a nationwide trial, Virgin Trains will run one of its Voyagers on a 20% biodiesel blend which is said to cut CO2 emissions by up to 14%. For those of us uninitiated in chemical science, check out my biodiesel post below.
In a statement, which Sir Richard is apt at making, he said:
"This is a pioneering step we're taking,” adding, “if the trial is a success - and we believe it will be - and we can convert our Voyager fleet to run on B20 biodiesel.”
[via Sky News]
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According to Branson, converting their Voyager fleet would mean 34,500 tonnes less CO2 being emitted each year - equivalent to taking 23,000 cars off the road. Our eco-budgeting Prime Minister-in-waiting, Gordon Brown, who will be at today's launch of the train, said: "I want Britain to be a world leader in the development and use of environmentally-friendly fuels, and I believe they will play a fundamental part in our efforts to reduce emissions and tackle climate change.”
