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Motorists across East Anglia were given the chance to go green yesterday with the launch of an environmentally friendly fuel on forecourts across the region.
DriveECO bio-diesel is on sale at more than a dozen independent garages thanks to a deal with Broadland Fuels and it is hoped that around 40 filling stations could be selling the green fuel by the New Year.
The Fuel, which is a biodegradable diesel made from waste vegetable oil collected from local restaurants, was launched in February by Global Commodities UK of Shipdham, near Dereham following extensive research.
And, although it is already used extensively in the haulage industry and by boats on the Norfolk Broads, it is the first time all motorists will be given the chance to use the fuel. Dennis Thouless, managing director of the firm, said he was delighted that the fuel was now going to be available to a wider audience. "It's been a long time coming but I am pleased that all motorists can finally have the opportunity to buy the fuel.
"In my book, 'fuelling a better world' firsts starts at home with 'fuelling a better East Anglia' and I am delighted that Broadland Fuel is working with us on this initiative to enable East Anglia to enjoy all the benefits of driveECO bio-diesel."
Vehicles do not need to undergo any engine conversion before they run on it and it produces no harmful carbon-dioxide emissions. The fuel, which is a blend of bio-diesel and traditional hydrocarbon diesel, will be on sale for around a penny less than traditional diesel. Filling stations already selling it include Fairways Service Station, Diss, Stalham Motors, Stalham and Aldis Motors, Cromer.
Peter Noble, managing director of Broadland Fuels said the firm, which was set up five years ago to supply independent filling stations across East Anglia, was keen to offer the garages, a choice of fuels they supply.
"It's a quality product made by a local firm and we are pleased to be able to supply it. We hope to have about 40 garages selling it in East Anglia." said Mr Noble. And Mr Thouless revealed yesterday that plans by the firm to set up a 41,000sq ft flagship production plant on the Riverside Business Park in Lowestoft were moving on.
He said the move would help boost production of driveECO from 10 million litres annually at Shipdham to 180 million litres.
He said the development, for which he was awaiting written confirmation from the East of England Development Agency, could create 130 jobs in the long term. Shipdham would not be affected by the expansion.
"As forerunner in the bio-diesel revolution, Global Commodities UK will continue to raise the standard and the lead the way forward," he said.
The launch of driveECO helped Global Commodities UK win the Environment Award at the EDP Business Awards this year. For more information, visit www.globeco.co.uk.
From the Eastern Daily Press – November 2002
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