International Developments

Commission adopts proposal to reduce carbon content of transport fuels

The European Commission has adopted new rules drawn up to reduce the carbon content of transport fuels. The rules oblige suppliers to reduce by 6% the life cycle greenhouse gas intensity of fuel and other energy sources supplied for use in road vehicles by 2020. The Directive also obliges suppliers to report information on the greenhouse gas intensity of the fuel they supply to authorities designated by the Member States.

European Union adopts directive to develop clean fuels infrastructure, implement common standards

The European Council has adopted a directive on building up minimum infrastructure for allternative fuels across the European Union. Each member state will have to draw up an alternative fuel deployment strategy and submit it to the European Commission. The directive includes the requirement to adopt common standards in infrastructure provision.

Italy to introduce first national mandate for advanced biofuels

In a move which provides a boost to the industry, Italy is to become the first country in Europe to set legally binding requirements to mandate the use of "advanced biofuels" in road transport.  The new fuels, made from wastes and residues, would reduce the amount of land taken out of food production. From 2018, all fuel suppliers in the country will have to include 0.6% advanced biofuel in petrol and diesel.

EU considering moves to bring transport emissions into ETS

The European Union is considering bringing road transport emissions into the Emissions Trading System (ETS) in a move that critics say could undermine so far largely successful attempts to cut emissions from the road transport sector.

Policy Developments

DfT launches £300k competition for concepts to mitigate NOx emissions

The Department for Transport (DfT) is inviting entries to a competition seeking concepts to help mitigate NOx emissions from road traffic, offering a total of about £300,000 to fully-fund projects designed to address air quality on the strategic road network.

UK Government invests £11m to boost hydrogen vehicle development

The Government has announced £11m funding to prepare the UK for the roll-out of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The investment will help establish a network of 15 hydrogen filling stations and includes £2m funding for public sector hydrogen vehicles.

London set to introduce world's first Ultra Low Emission Zone for vehicles

The Mayor and Transport for London have launched a public consultation on proposals to introduce the world's first Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in the capital on 7 September 2020. The proposals, if implemented, would mean that drivers of the most polluting vehicles will have to pay £12.50 a day in addition to the congestion charge to enter London by 2020 as attempts are made to improve air quality in the capital.

Government launches independent review of the prospects for 'sharing economy'

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has launched an independent review of the prospects for the UK to lead in the growth of the 'sharing economy' to build on the success of businesses such as Airbnb, Rentmyitems and Zipcar.

Industry News

Sainsbury's to open UK's first hydrogen filling station

Sainsbury's has announced that it will open a new 'SmartFuel' station at its Hendon store later this year, joining a growing network of fuelling stations for hydrogen-powered fleets in London. 

Ford creates 300+ jobs in production of cleaner, low carbon vehicles at Dagenham

Ford is to create 318 new jobs at its Dagenham plant following an additional investment of £190 million to produce its new range of cleaner, advanced technology diesel engines. The announcement is the second phase of investment in Ford’s new engine programme, following an initial £287 million announced in September. 

Reports & Studies

New reports find economic benefits in tackling climate change

Two more new reports have found that tackling climate change can bring global economic benefits and that there are particular opportunities for the UK in the low carbon transition. One of the reports - by Cambridge Econometrics for WWF - found that reducing the UK's carbon emissions by around 60% by 2030 (as the CCC recommends) would increase UK GDP by over 1% in net terms and create over 190,000 additional jobs.

New ICCT report shows gap between reported and actual fuel economy higher than ever

An international study based on data from over half a million private and company vehicles across Europe shows that the gap between official fuel-economy test figures and what drivers are achieving on the road, has reached more than 30 per cent. According to the ICCT, the report's authors, this means that motorists are spending an average of €450 per year more on fuel than if the gap were closed.

Technology News

Deal for supply of biopropane shows another potential route for meeting renewable energy targets

SHV Energy, the parent company of Calor Gas, the UK’s largest LPG supplier has announced a deal for the supply of biopropane to its European customers in a commercial deal with Finnish bio-diesel producer NESTÉ Oil. Calor says that biopropane can make a contribution to Britain's 2020 Renewable Energy targets in both transport and heating applications.

LowCVP News

LowCVP to hold elections to the Board of Directors

The LowCVP is to hold elections to its Board of Directors to fill several vacancies which will arise at the end of the year. The LowCVP Secretariat welcomes expressions of interest or nominations of suitably qualified candidates who should hold senior positions within their organisations.

Other News

Latest figures show rapid rise in sales of ULEVs in UK

Sales of electric cars and other plug-ikn vehicles have increased rapidly over the last quarter; more than doubling compared with the previous quarter. There are now over 17,000 ULEVs on the UK's roads according to the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).

12th Michelin Challenge Bibendum to take place in Western China

The 12th edition of the Michelin Challenge Bibendum Global Summit will take place in Chengdu, Western China from 11-14 November. The event will take a comprehensive and systematic approach with the aim of delivering tangible and deployable solutions to policy makers.

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