Chapter 11: Measures to Promote New Technologies and Cleaner Fuels
To some extent the comments relating to the 4 consultation questions focusing on new technologies and cleaner fuels overlapped. However, each question has been analysed separately below.
11.1 The consultation stated:
We wish to increase the uptake of cleaner vehicles and fuels where they produce fewer harmful emissions than existing technologies. Vehicle standards are not devolved to the Scottish Ministers, but we have responsibilities and can embrace opportunities as far as biofuels and other technologies are concerned.
The consultation asked:
Q39: Within a UK market, what, if anything, should Scotland specifically do to promote the uptake of biofuels?
Overall, 88 respondents (28%) addressed this question.
There was much support from most of these consultees for the future promotion of the uptake of biofuels. The most common response was to suggest ways to achieve the UK-wide targets for fuel sales.
11.1.1 Suggestions for Ways to Move towards the UK-Wide Target for Biofuel Sales
Recurring comments were that biofuels should be made widely available at affordable cost. Repeated calls were made for appropriate financial regimes to encourage and support their take-up.
Several consultees argued that there was a need for raising awareness of biofuels and their advantages (Oth PB, LA, LA, LA, EC), not only amongst potential consumers, but also amongst farmers and businesses ( EB/ ST). A requirement was also identified for work on developing the supply chain ( EB/ ST) and distribution networks ( LA, LA, Bus, Misc) in readiness for more sales.
It was suggested that grants be made available to public sector organisations to help them convert their vehicle fleets to receive biofuels (Oth PB, Rep Org), perhaps through a " challenge fund" ( LA). One respondent insisted that any grants should be provided over a long term (Rep Org). Others called for biofuel costs to be " subsidised" (Oth PB, Oth PB, Pub), with tax relief (Oth PB, LA), or a reduction in fuel duty ( LA, LA). One respondent recommended that funding for biofuel take-up should be ring-fenced ( LA). Another suggested that the installation of biofuel related equipment be subsidised ( LA).
In promoting wider take-up and production of biofuels, some consultees argued for a focus on biofuels that could be produced locally and that were sustainable ( LA, LA, LA, EB/ ST). It was suggested that farmers be given tax rebates for producing rapeseed oil and other crops required for biofuel production ( LA), and that they also be provided with guaranteed incomes for this production ( LA, Pub).
11.1.2 Piloting the Use of Biofuels
Many respondents gave thought to how to take forward the use of biofuels in a considered and incremental fashion. A few urged that more research should take place first to inform the promotion of such fuels ( LA, LA, LA, Rep Org), with government investment needed in research and development ( LA, Pub, EB/ ST). One consultee insisted that public investment should not be put towards biofuels unless it was clear that they were of overall benefit ( LA).
Others recommended that the Scottish Executive should get ahead of the game (Pub, LA) and lead by example ( LA, LA, RTP, Oth PB, Oth PB, Acad). Several consultees considered that public sector bodies should be required to use biofuels for their fleets of vehicles ( LA, LA, LA, LA, Bus, Rep Org, Rep Org) before expanding the scheme wider. This was seen as starting to create the market required for more significant production on a wider scale (Bus). Demonstration or pilot projects were suggested ( LA, LA), with a number of pilot locations identified such as one Scottish island ( LA), or one council area ( LA), or the community transport sector ( CTG).
11.1.3 Other Comments
A few respondents wanted to see even higher targets set for biofuel sales, perhaps with Scotland setting its own targets ( LA, LA, LA). Others argued for the lobbying of the UK Government to introduce tax advantages for the use of biofuels ( EC, Bus), and for further engagement with the European Commission and the UK Government to ensure vehicle engines are produced with can handle increased proportions of biofuel mixes ( LA, LA).
Two respondents urged that other options for fuel should also be considered, such as electric, hydrogen or fuel cell powered vehicles ( LA, LA).
11.1.4 Cautionary Voices
Despite the general support for the promotion of biofuels, a small number of consultees provided notes of caution regarding such developments. One stated simply that they were not convinced of the benefits of biofuels (Vol). Another commented:
" biofuels are not the panacea that many seem to think even if they do have some role to play" ( EB/ ST)
This respondent argued that they would not address sedentary lifestyles nor congestion and would require large areas of land dedicated to growing the necessary crops.
One consultee expressed concern that if biofuels were made cheaper, this may serve to encourage even more drivers onto the roads (Pub). Another highlighted what they saw as the possible risk to the environment created by a major release of CO2 from biofuel crops ( LA). Finally, one respondent considered that most truck manufacturers will be reluctant to change their engines to incorporate a 5% mix of biofuels (Rep Org).
11.2 The consultation asked:
Q40: Where are the commercial opportunities for biofuels in Scotland? What if anything, is the role for the public sector in supporting commercial biofuels development? Are there down-sides of an increased bio-fuel market in Scotland?
Relatively few respondents addressed this question with a total of 73 consultees (23%) providing commentary.
11.2.1 Views on Commercial Opportunities for Biofuels in Scotland
One consultee called for a study to explore the commercial opportunities for biofuels in Scotland ( LA). Another highlighted research already completed by the Scottish Agricultural College on this potential ( EB/ ST).
The new plant at Motherwell, mentioned in the consultation document, was welcomed ( EB/ ST, LA, Bus, Rep Org) with possibilities identified of developing a Grangemouth site ( LA).
Several respondents remarked on the advantageous position held by Scotland in relation to scope for developing a biofuels market on account of its forestry and agricultural land and rural areas ( LA, LA, Bus, Bus, Acad). One consultee who saw significant commercial opportunities commented:
" Why the hesitation? I just don't understand the delay and hesitancy" (Oth PB)
A few consultees cautioned that potential existed but should be exploited only if the development was sustainable ( EB/ ST, EB/ ST).
Others specified that there was potential for the production of oil seed rape and other biofuel crops in Scotland, with the North-East mentioned specifically in this regard (Oth PB, LA, LA, EC). The possibility of creating new processing jobs was raised ( EB/ ST, LA) as was the creation of technological development industry relating to biofuels ( LA, Bus).
11.2.2 Views on the Role of the Public Sector in Supporting Commercial Biofuels Developments
As with the previous question, a recurring theme was that public bodies should lead the way and convert their fleets to receive biofuels in order to stimulate the market. It was pointed out that 8% of the total road fuel purchased by the Forestry Commission is already biofuel (Oth PB).
Calls were made for initial financial underpinning from the Government to support businesses developing and distributing biofuels ( LA, LA, LA, LA, Rep Org). Others recommended financial support to help set up local production and processing plants ( LA), to support rural development policies ( LA, LA) and to support supply networks in remoter areas ( LA). More funding for research into alternative energy sources was advocated ( EB/ ST). Finally, one idea was for work in partnership with supermarket petrol stations to encourage the sale of biofuels, possibly by making sales a condition of the grant in rural areas (Oth PB).
11.2.3 Views on the Downsides of an Increased Biofuel Market in Scotland
Five consultees stated clearly that they did not foresee any downsides to this market ( LA, LA, Pub, Rep Org, Misc).
Amongst the others, a variety of concerns was raised. These are listed below:
- Possibility of emissions of greenhouse gases from cultivation of biofuel crops
- Costs of processing
- Amount of land needed to grow crops
- Technology still in its infancy with unknown reliability
- Oil seed rape is bad for people with breathing problems
- The constraint on biofuel mix in engines set by manufacturers under their warranty conditions is a barrier to development
- Biofuels more expensive than fossil fuels
- Business risks to companies producing and distributing biofuels
- Need to transport biofuels long distances
- Biofuels are less efficient than fossil fuels
It was suggested that an environmental impact assessment be undertaken to inform deliberations on the potential development of biofuels ( EB/ ST, RTP).
11.3 The consultation stated:
Vehicle standards are a reserved matter. However, until earlier this year, we ran a number of grant schemes (Powershift, CleanUp and Autogas+) to promote cleaner vehicles and fuels. Over £4m in grant was given out to support over 2,500 vehicles. A review of the programmes was carried out to evaluate their effectiveness and look at whether other programmes would better meet our air quality and carbon objectives.
The consultation asked:
Q41: Within the context of a UK regulatory framework, what more, if anything, should be done to make motor vehicles in Scotland cleaner to run?
In total, 77 respondents (25%) addressed this question. Five of these considered that apart from working with the UK Government, there was not much more that Scotland could do on this ( LA, LA, Rep Org, Bus, Bus). Others urged that Scotland should lobby the UK Government for cleaner engine measures for cars ( LA, LA, LA, LA, RTP, Rep Org, Oth PB, EB/ ST).
Two key themes emerged, namely improved enforcement of current regulations on emissions; and action to encourage conversions of engines to cleaner models.
11.3.1 Views on Improved Enforcement of Current Regulations on Emissions
Several respondents argued for better enforcement of current regulations on emissions (Pub, LA, LA, Rep Org), particularly for buses ( LA). It was suggested that road-side spot checks be carried out (Pub, Rep Org) and people penalised for running dirty fuel (Pub). Two consultees suggested that emission requirements be part of public service contracts ( EB/ ST, RTP). Another called for the introduction of mandatory emission standards for licensed taxis ( EB/ ST).
Calls were made for higher tax on larger vehicles ( CTG, Pub, Oth PB) and the promotion of smaller engines (Bus).
11.3.2 Views on Encouraging the Conversion of Engines to Cleaner Models
Many respondents recommended that grants be used to promote cleaner engines. One consultee suggested that grants could be administered through the Energy Savings Trust ( LA). A problem was envisaged in the number of older cars on the road ( LA, Oth PB, Rep Org). Grants to retro-fit cleaner engines in all but vintage cars were advocated ( LA, Oth PB). One consultee recommended that even classic cars should be converted to LPG (Pub).
A call was made for the encouragement of manufacturers to accelerate the development of cleaner engines in vehicles (Oth PB), with the recommendation for a restriction in imports and manufacture of vehicles with high emission levels ( LA).
11.3.3 Other Comments
A few respondents argued for financial incentives for car owners who used cleaner engines ( LA, Rep Org, Oth PB) and a form of pollution tax on those who did not (Pub, LA, Oth PB). The promotion of good practice was advocated ( LA). One consultee called for an exemption from road charges and reduced parking charges for people owning hybrid cars (Oth PB).
Some consultees considered that there should be more publicity and awareness raising of the benefits of lower carbon emissions. One called for a bold advertising campaign (Oth PB), and another for extending advisory services to consumers ( EB/ ST). One suggestion was for driver training on techniques to reduce vehicle fuel consumption and improve maintenance (Oth PB).
The regular servicing and maintenance of vehicles was raised by another respondent as a means to make motor vehicles cleaner to run ( LA). A few suggested that emission filters should be fitted on buses (Rep Org, Rep Org) and others recommended establishing low emission zone areas that exclude polluting vehicles ( EB/ ST, RPT). Calls were made for greater consideration to be given to battery run cars (Pub) and using electricity to power public vehicles (Pub). Greater availability of cleaner fuels was advocated (Pub, Rep Org).
Finally, it was commented that greater action could be taken if buses were re-regulated in Scotland ( LA, RTP).
11.4 The consultation stated:
Going for Green Growth: a green jobs strategy for Scotland set out the opportunities for economic growth in the environmental sector in Scotland. New technologies - such as hydrogen fuel, fuel cells and so on - could have significant environmental benefits and our economy could also benefit if we can promote their development in a Scottish context.
The consultation asked:
Q42: Where are the potential gains in terms of new transport technology in Scotland? How do we capture the potential economic benefits of developing them in Scotland? What, if anything, is the role for the public sector in supporting the development of such new technologies?
This question attracted a relatively lower response with 62 consultees (20%) addressing it.
Several potential gains of new transport technology in Scotland were identified. These included:
- International prestige by Scotland being at the forefront of development
- Cleaner environment
- Lower transport costs
- More competitive manufacturing and services
- Boost to the economy with opportunities for new employment
- Attractive to tourists
- Attractive to businesses
One suggestion was for a Green Jobs Strategy to be developed to identify and harness the potential gains in employment ( LA, LA).
A recurring theme was that funding should be directed to research and development of new transport technology. This was seen as a way of developing transport technology in a co-ordinated manner rather than a scatter-gun approach ( LA). Scottish Executive, Enterprise Company and other public sector funding was envisaged for research. One suggestion was for tax incentives to specific companies to undertake product development (Oth PB).
Another common recommendation was for public/private partnerships to be set up to support the development of new transport technology in Scotland. General calls were made for more funding to support emerging technologies ( LA, LA, RTP, Pub).
Again, many consultees suggested that the public sector should provide a test bed and create a market for new technologies. Another suggestion was for regeneration areas to pilot a scheme (Rep Org) or freight cluster groups to be developed through Scottish Enterprise (Bus, Rep Org, EB/ ST).
Some respondents identified the development of hydrogen fuel and fuel cells as having much potential for increased use ( LA, Bus, Oth PB, EB/ ST). However, it was considered that this would require significant investment ( LA, LA) with public sector support for those using these fuels (Rep Org). Others argued for greater exploration of the use of light rail systems in Scottish cities and semi-rural areas ( EB/ ST) or more exploitation of the potential of electricity for transport power (Pub, Pub, LA, Rep Org).