INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
more than 500 million euros . Given the considerable financial implication , it is unsurprising that none of the UK refineries has yet declared plans to go down a full bio-refinery conversion route but it is an area to watch , especially given recently announced changes of ownership and other developments .
Taking a step in that direction , in our October issue we reported on the significant investment made by Phillips 66 in expanding its biofuels capacity , with Darren Cunningham , Humber refinery manager commenting ;
“ This investment further highlights the refinery ’ s commitment and investment to further expand our production of biofuels and reinforces our reputation as the ‘ refinery of the future ’.”
Humber can produce 1,000 b / d of renewable diesel , after starting production around a year ago , and will reach 4,000 b / d next year . Asked whether this expansion is part of a broader strategic objective to move further into renewable fuel production Darren confirmed ;
“ As the Humber Refinery continues to position itself as the Refinery of the Future , we are currently reviewing a number of new renewable low carbon processing capabilities .”
Sustainable logistics For the energy transition to succeed it will require sustainability at every stage of the supply chain . There is little point opting for a more sustainable alternative fuel if the transportation of that fuel cancels out the decarbonisation benefit . This is where logistics providers come in .
When asked about measures already taken to reduce harmful emissions in transport , Nigel Gilhooley , commercial manager , Suttons Tankers , said ;
“ By utilising and frequently replacing the fleet with the latest premier standard vehicles we ensure emissions have the lowest impact on the environment . We will soon be supporting a customer of ours with the latest Euro 6 vehicle technology , materially reducing NoX emissions by up to 65 %. Our driving style management programme drives continual improvement to fuel consumption , reducing carbon emissions , and improving the safe driving behaviours of our employees .”
Suttons conducts an annual audit on the availability and suitability of alternative fuel solutions in order to reduce its carbon footprint . The company has piloted LNG Dual Fuel solutions , substituting diesel with bio natural gas , and are now in consultation with
16 Fuel Oil News | November 2020 vehicle manufacturers on the use of hydrogen as an alternative solution . Suttons will shortly commence a contract to supply transport for London with hydrogen for a fleet of hydrogen fuelled public buses , with similar technology on trial for heavy goods vehicles . Nigel continued ; “ We have an excellent relationship with our customers and engage with them frequently to avoid empty mileage and reduce wasted trips . Our investment in new payload equipment and business systems improves planning efficiency and reduces avoidable journey miles . Suttons ’ driver training team also use vehicle telematics to further drive efficiency and improve safe driver characteristics .”
Technology plays a big part When asked about vehicle adaptations already in place to increase fuel efficiency and safety , and decrease emissions , Marcos Hart , group operations director , Wincanton , commented ;
“ The evolution of engine technology from Euro 5 to Euro 6 represented a significant step forward and we expect a similar step change each time engine technology advances . The greatest single impact we have experienced , which has improved safety for our drivers and the public , has come from the use of telematics , vehicle cameras and driver training . Every driver is able to access their driving performance dashboard after each driving shift and see where they have the opportunity to improve . This encourages smoother acceleration and braking as well as enhanced road situation monitoring which creates safer and smoother driving styles . The by-product of a safer driver is better fuel-efficiency and lower carbon emissions .
“ Wincanton ’ s digital transport systems dynamically route plan and also , via driver debriefs , enable consistent feedback into our planning system which captures changes in traffic flows and roadwork impacts . This
enables our planning to continually adapt and optimise the routing of our vehicles to meet customer demand .”
With Wincanton being a long-term partner for its customers , the company aims to make the improvements , adjustments and breakthrough investments that customers need to achieve their own net-zero targets in whatever timeframes they have committed to . The other services developed by Wincanton to achieve this are discussed in greater depth in ‘ Diversification Corner ’ on page 19 .
Greenergy Flexigrid has also recently invested in a state-of-the-art scheduling system