|
Discussion Replies
|
|
wrote:
Dear A. Ott.
I thought that you might be interested to know that John Hontelez, Secretary General of the European Environment Bureau has recognised that the Bio fuels obligations are not achievable, due to a range of issues which include the impact on food production. Brussels has also recognised that 1st generation bio fuels (those taken from food stuffs) are not the answer and that 2nd generation (cellulosic sources) and 3rd generation (those from plants not in the food chain such as Jatropha which grows on barren land, as well as waste materials) are ultimately a better source. The UK transport secretary Ruth Kelly has also made the announcement that the UK will initiate a wide ranging review of bio fuel production.
As of your comment on electrification of the rail industry and the transport network (Network rail). It should be noted that it has taken close to 10 years for them to make the transition from filament lamps to LED lights for the signalling, which many would think is one of the most obvious transitions to make. So the transition to electrification is no mean feat and will take even longer. They would need to convert the rail fleet, lay a third rail & / or put in over head power lines which would on the tributary routes take an extraordinary long time to justify from a CAPEX prospective. The industry largely speaking does agree with you, but the cost is out of anyone’s reach. The fact that Diesel is subsidised by the Gov removes fuel pricing as a driver for exploring more sustainable solutions. Which incidentally is the same with diesel for Buses in London. a 50% subsidy in their case makes it very difficult for alternative fuels to compete!!
|
|
|