Perth’s Metronet public transport project is trialling the use of renewable diesel in its heavy machinery to reduce its carbon footprint
In a first for Western Australia’s construction industry, the Metronet Byford Rail Extension project is trialling renewable diesel in its heavy machinery.
Aiming to connect residents from Byford and the wider Serpentine-Jarrahdale area to Perth’s CBD on a 42-minute train journey, Metronet describes the trial as a win for the global goal of a net zero emissions future.
The renewable diesel being used is known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), and is made from fats, vegetable oils and waste products from the food industry – including restaurants.
In the trial, HVO will replace the regular diesel that Metronet says typically runs four pieces of onsite plant and equipment.
“The project will substitute 23,000 litres of traditional diesel with HVO, which is expected to produce 95 per cent fewer CO2 emissions and less noxious gases, all while delivering the same performance as regular diesel,” Metronet sustainability lead Alita Hancock says.
“Reducing emissions of heavy vehicles, rail freight, mining, agriculture, construction plant and equipment can be challenging and trials such as this aim to demonstrate the role renewable fuels can play in helping to achieve sustainability targets.”
The HVO trial is being run with Curtin University which will undertake studies to understand implications for fuel efficiency, emission reduction and impacts to engines.
Data captured will be provided to the Department of Transport to evaluate the viability of HVO fuel for current and future infrastructure projects. Metronet says it will also help build momentum for the use of HVO fuel in the wider industry once the WA supply is fully available in 2025-26.
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