A PIONEERING creation could hold the key to reducing forestry's carbon footprint – a methanol-powered Land Rover.
The vehicle is currently being rigorously tested in the forests of north Scotland and it's hoped it will significantly reduce the sector's environmental impact.
Led by the award-winning Creel Maritime, the trial – known as ForestBiodrive – is also testing the effectiveness of Green Methanol, which is produced from waste and biomass and said to be a better alternative to other green fuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
Neil Stoddart, Creel Maritime’s managing director, said: "The advancements in electric and hydrogen technology are impressive, but the cost of replacing heavy machinery and vehicles is out of reach for many in our sector.
"Drop-in fuels, like methanol, offer a more accessible alternative, enabling existing assets such as trucks, ships, and heavy equipment to transition to greener energy sources."
Key features of the ForestBiodrive methanol-powered Land Rover 90TDI include:
· Reduced Carbon Footprint: Methanol combustion produces much lower levels of CO2 and particulates compared to diesel, contributing to a cleaner environment.
· Advanced Performance: The methanol-powered Land Rover demonstrates comparable—if not superior—performance to traditional fuel-powered vehicles, with potential for widespread applications across Marine, Forestry, Heavy plant and Haulage sectors.
· Scalability & Local Production: The success of this project could pave the way for broader adoption of methanol as a viable alternative fuel in automotive and industrial applications, especially where local production of Green Methanol from recycled waste and forestry co products such as brash (branches) is feasible.
Neil added: "Even well-known green fuels, such as HVO, are now being scrutinised for their origins and the carbon footprint involved in transportation. Locally-produced green fuels have clear environmental and economic advantages."
The project has received support from various forestry and industry stakeholders, including Associated British Ports, Coillte (Ireland), JST Services (Scotland), and TYGRIS.
The technical work on the Land Rover has been undertaken by NATIVE, a leading specialist in Land Rovers.
The Land Rover will be on display at this week's APF Exhibition.
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