Council vehicles powered by recycled vegetable oil hit the road

Cllr Ken Gowans and Paul Reid Chief Officer, Facilities, Fleet & Transport are pictured with the two vehicles before they started their rounds.

A joint venture between The Highland Council and Highland Fuels means that a public bus and a refuse collection vehicle are now being run using recycled cooking oil. 

People will be able to spot which vehicles are under trial as both have been adapted and have signage on them.

Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans went to see both vehicles before they went out on their first journeys.

He said: “This trial with our partner Highland Fuels is a step forward in our transition to a cleaner future when it comes to fueling our buses and refuse vehicles. I am eager to see the vehicles out on the road and get feedback on using hydrotreated vegetable oil for fuel. The savings on emissions will be very marked.”

 The HVO process recycles waste cooking oil, fats, greases, and vegetable oils.

Highland Fuels have been providing fuel to local and national businesses since 1957. Renewable diesel from biomass materials is a direct replacement for white diesel. It is derived from certified sustainable raw materials and cuts up to 90%* of net CO2 emissions straight away.

Daniel McDermott from Highland Fuels said: “We are excited to support and partner with Highland Council on their journey to achieving net zero goals. We are dedicated to helping our customers and local communities transition to a more sustainable future by providing low-carbon liquid fuels.”