Bridgestone Eco rally to feature the Dung Beetle
Submitted by GENeco on 25 July, 2011 - 22:01
Press release:
The UK’s bio-methane powered VW Beetle will be among the world’s best eco-friendly vehicles that will be appearing at this year’s Bridgestone Eco-Rally.
The Bio-Bug, which runs on gas generated from sewage sludge at Bristol sewage works, will be making an appearance at the event on Sunday (31 July).
It will set off from Oxford with numerous other vehicles to the finishing line at The Mall in London.
Mohammed Saddiq, general manager of Wessex Water’s waste to energy business GENeco, will be driving the car.
He said: “We were delighted to be invited to join the rally which showcases some of the most eco-friendly vehicles from around the world.
“We launched the Bio-Bug to see whether biogas generated at our sewage treatment works could be viable green fuel source for a vehicle.
"If you were to drive the car you wouldn't know it was powered by biogas as it performs just like any conventional car. It is probably one of the most sustainably-fuelled cars around."
Since it was launched a year ago there has been much interest in the Bio-Bug with ministers Greg Barker and Chris Huhne getting behind the wheel.
Waste flushed down the toilets of just 70 homes is enough to power the car for a year, based on an annual mileage of 10,000 miles.
Around 18 million cubic metres of biogas is produced at Bristol sewage treatment works a year.
It is generated through anaerobic digestion – a process in which bugs in the absence of oxygen break down biodegradable material to produce methane.
Mr Saddiq said: “Interest in the Bio-Bug has been phenomenal and this green initiative clearly shows the benefits of anaerobic digestion.
“At the moment we are using the waste flushed down the toilets in homes in Bristol to power the Bio-Bug, but it won’t be long before energy will also be generated through the treatment of food waste when we start recycling it at our sewage works.”
This year’s Bridgestone Eco-Rally, in association with Start, an initiative by HRH The Prince of Wales to inspire the UK public to take simple steps towards achieving more sustainable living, culminates with a free to attend, green transport exhibition, coinciding with Start Day.
Start Day on 31 July is free to the public on a first come-first served basis and includes Start Growing: An open garden day at Clarence House (10 am-6pm) bringing together a variety of thought provoking ideas on the future of gardening and growing, plus the Start sustainable pop-up restaurant’s garden bar at Lancaster House (11am–10.30pm) with organic and locally sourced drinks with a selection of sustainable light bites on the terrace. For further details about Start visit www.startuk.org
The Bridgestone Eco-Rally is organised by Revolve, an organisation committed to accelerating the market for zero emission transport.
Revolve spokesperson Steven Glaser said: “This year’s event promises to be a different proposition with even more groundbreaking vehicles – including two, three, four and even 6-wheelers – together with a fresh route and iconic landmarks as backdrops to add an exciting new twist.”
This year’s Bridgestone Eco-Rally in association with Start aims to showcase the very latest concepts and low emission technology for the masses.
For more information about the Bridgestone Eco-Rally visit www.eco-rally.org
