DRIVERS KEEN TO GREEN UP THEIR WHEELS

Drivers keen to green up their wheels

A project which is the first of its kind in Wales is showing that many motorists in Pembrokeshire are very keen to green up their wheels. 

The project, which was launched to a capacity gathering at the Nant-y-ffin Motel in Llandissilio last December, provides grant assistance to enable diesel vehicle owners to have their motors converted to run on pure renewable vegetable oil. 

Since the launch the West Wales Eco Centre, who run the project, have received many applications from drivers wanting to access the grant package and switch to vegetable oil.

Speaking of the scheme Daniel Blackburn of Veg Oil Motoring, a partner in the project, said: ?The response to the project has exceeded expectations and with so many drivers wanting to access the scheme it is likely that the subtle smell of fried food will become more common on the roads of West Wales. 

?The interest shows how keen many motorists are in using this alternative to fossil fuels.  The reasons for this are numerous; drivers see the importance of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and the benefits of using a fuel than can be grown in Pembrokeshire, which will reduce the need for foreign oil while boosting the local economy and supporting the agricultural community.?

?Using vegetable oil to power your car engine may seem like a new idea however it is as old as the diesel engine itself; with Dr Rudolf Diesel, its inventor, being one of the greatest advocates of this plant fuel.  The big environmental benefit of vegetable oil is that it is the only fuel for common vehicles which has virtually zero net carbon dioxide emissions. Motorists can expect to save, on average, approximately three tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year through using vegetable oil, drastically reducing drivers? contributions to the greenhouse effect.?

To enable diesel vehicles to run on 100% pure vegetable oil it is necessary to adapt them with suitable conversion kits. The grants scheme halves the price of the kit and fitting costs, making the conversion affordable to interested vehicle owners.

The initiative has been made possible through a partnership between the West Wales Eco Centre, based in Newport and Veg Oil Motoring, a Pembrokeshire business that has been offering a vehicle conversion service for two years.  Financial support for the project has come through the Sustainable Development Fund which is a Welsh Assembly Government initiative administered locally by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

The first five grants of the scheme have been allocated, with a further five grants still available at present.  The limited number of remaining grants means that it is important for interested drivers to apply as soon as possible to gain the best chance of accessing the scheme.

To enable drivers in the south of Pembrokeshire to find out more about the project, a second information evening, complete with refreshments, will take place on Wednesday, 25th January at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel in Pembroke Dock at 7pm.  The evening is open to everyone and details will be provided on all aspects of running a vehicle on vegetable oil as well as the scheme and how to apply for a grant.

For more information contact Jake Hollyfield at the West Wales Eco Centre on 01239 821900.  Grant application forms are available on the Centre?s website: www.ecocentre.org.uk/vegoil.html .