Vkusno-i Tochka Bioliquids and Mosgortrans: A Look at Used Cooking Oil as Biodiesel for Electric Buses
Media coverage has focused on the former McDonald’s project and its ambitious plan to recycle used cooking oil into biodiesel. The initiative involves transforming waste oil into fuel that could be used in electric buses, aligning with efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainable urban transport.
Vkusno-i Tochka, the restaurant network previously associated with the rebranded fast-food brand, reportedly has the capacity to supply approximately 3,000 tons of used cooking oil each year.
However, Mosgortrans, the State Unitary Enterprise responsible for public transport in Moscow, has issued some caveats. The concept of using biofuel for heating electric buses is currently at the development stage. Building the necessary infrastructure and ensuring proper oil cleaning are essential steps before any practical application. As the project moves forward, Mosgortrans is awaiting proposals from potential suppliers to assess feasibility and cost considerations.
Any company that can provide feedstock meeting the required specifications is invited to participate in tenders for biodiesel that could power electric bus heaters. This openness reflects a broader interest in diversifying energy sources for urban fleets and potentially lowering operating emissions.
It is noted that electric buses are sometimes criticized for relying on diesel-fired heating in winter in some regions. Critics argue that this practice can diminish the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, prompting ongoing discussions about optimising energy use and heat management in cold months.
Originally reported by AGN “Moscow” and depicted by AGN “Moscow” in the publication “Behind the Wheel.”
Behind the Wheel through Auction of Ideas appears as the photo credit in the regional coverage. The material underscores ongoing debates around waste-to-fuel initiatives and their role in urban transportation strategies.
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