Volvo Trucks roll on Swedish roads, powered by bio-DME 09 September 2010

Volvo Trucks, the first to offer bio-DME (di-methyl-ether) as a fuel, reports that DME trucks are now in commercial operation in Sweden, following the opening of a DME filling station in Stockholm by distributor Preem.

"For a new fuel to have a chance of survival, it needs production, distribution and suitably modified vehicles. Now we have all three pieces of the puzzle," comments Volvo Trucks' Environmental Director Lars Mårtensson.

Currently, the Volvo tucks are running in a two-year field trial, which aims to demonstrate the potential for large-scale investment in DME produced from biomass. Mårtensson explains that the project encompasses the entire production chain, from biomass to fuel and the experience of hauliers with bio-DME powered trucks.

Volvo is providing FH trucks to operators including Green Cargo, DHL, Posten Logistik and Volvo Logistics via J-Trans in Sweden, and also has a financial stake in the Chemrec plant producing the new fuel.

"Bio-DME is one of the most promising second-generation biofuels," says Mårtensson. "It provides both high energy efficiency and extremely low emissions of greenhouse gases."

This autumn, Preem will open additional filling stations in Gothenburg, Jönköping and Piteå across Sweden. In parallel, production of Bio-DME is to be ramped up at the Chemrec plant in Piteå.

In the EU, the current assessment is that Bio-DME could replace half of today's diesel usage for heavy commercial transportation by 2030.

Volvo accepts that key challenges, however, include gearing up for the long term, producing large enough quantities of the new biofuel, ensuring efficient distribution to a large number of filling stations and promoting demand.

"In order to achieve this, it is necessary to have clear-cut guidelines from the authorities and co-ordinated, active co-operation between several players on the market," says Lennart Pilskog, director of public affairs at Volvo Trucks.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Volvo Group UK Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.