New Routemaster could run on recycled cooking oil

The new Routemaster bus commissioned by Boris Johnson may run on biofuel made from recycled cooking oil from restaurants and canteens.

Although some companies in London already use recycled oil in this way, any diesel vehicle has the potential to run on biofuel without major modifications.

The mayor this week said that biodiesel from recycled cooking oil was less carbon intensive than biofuels made from crops and where possible, the London Waste and Recycling Board would be encouraging the use of the biofuel in public body fleets.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “London’s current fleet of 8,000 buses consumes an estimated 100m litres of diesel each year, so recycled biodiesel has an important role to play in reducing the pollution for which it is responsible.”

DIY fuel for cars

The market for DIY car fuel appears to be growing. A device called the FuelPod 2 turns used cooking oil into bio-fuel that can be used in any diesel vehicle without any need for modifications.

A DIY hydrogen generator, no bigger than a fridge and due to go on sale within 2 years, will allow householders to produce their own power for household appliances or an electric car.

The generator is likely to cost £2,000 and will use water and off-peak electricity to produce hydrogen that can be stored and later used as fuel for a car or a generator to power household appliances.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is judged to be an ethical company by The Good Shopping Guide…and it’s not just cycle insurance that we offer. We provide home insurance, breakdown cover  and mobility scooter cover – all while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.