Delegates vote synthetic diesel as future fuel

Delegates at the 5th Motor Transport Fleet Management Conference reportedly voted synthetic diesel as the future fuel alternative. Allegedly, following a presentation on future fuel alternatives by Volvo Trucks Legislation / Environment Manager Ray Cattley, synthetic diesel emerged at the top of the list, ahead of dimethyl ether (DME) and biodiesel. Nevertheless, the seven criteria that Volvo used to judge the fuels are:

•    climate impact
•    energy efficiency
•    land use efficiency
•    fuel potential
•    vehicle adaptation
•    fuel cost
•    fuel infrastructure

Thus, synthetic diesel scores well on climate impact, energy efficiency, vehicle adaptation, and fuel infrastructure, which, all in all, makes synthetic diesel the most easily realisable and therefore appropriate fuel alternative in the medium-term.

Cattley says:

“It looks like the industry can actually get synthetic diesel very close to the price of natural diesel, and still, it could be made to the same quality, if not better.”

Nevertheless, Cattley notes that DME could use the existing LPG infrastructure, while synthetic fuel could use the existing diesel infrastructure. Cattley also adds that the key to the development of future fuels will in fact be the engagement of all stakeholders.  He says:

“We need to engage the governments, as well as the environmental experts. Above all, we need harmonised legislation.”