Mark Nelson Business engagement manager, MaCaW Project, University of Central Lancashire
@MaCaWLancs company/macaw-project
GAS OR ELECTRIC: WHICH SHOULD YOU BE USING TO CUT COSTS?
Energy prices are spiralling. So, which is cheaper right now - gas or electric?
Answering the question is Mark Nelson, business engagement manager with MaCaW, the University of Central Lancashire’s Making Carbon Work project, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and supported by Boost, Lancashire’s business growth hub.
REACHING A TIPPING POINT
A Blackpool-based business is the first in the UK and one of the first in Europe to introduce electric tipper trucks into its fleet – in a clear demonstration of its carbon cutting commitment.
Family-owned Fox Group placed the landmark order for two Volvo FE Electric 27-tonne tippers just days after last November’s COP 26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, which highlighted that a rapid global transition to zero emission vehicles is vital to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Paul Fox, managing director of Fox Group, says: “These vehicles mark the start of the electrification of our fleet and are designed to minimise CO2
in better air quality and quieter operation, which is especially important in urban areas.
“We are committed to playing our part in the UK’s push to reach net zero and we will be making more of our fleet electric in the future. This milestone is just the beginning of the journey and we believe if the country is serious about substantially reducing carbon emissions, the construction sector needs to join the party – we are proud to be playing our part and leading from the front.”
The two trucks will operate from the company’s depot on the Enterprise Business Park in Leyland, where charging infrastructure has been installed to support both the trucks and staff cars.
Christian Coolsaet, managing director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, says: “The team at Fox Group are setting a fantastic example
by becoming early-adopters of a new generation of vehicles which are cleaner, greener and quieter.”
The vehicles will operate primarily on local contracts for customers such as Lancashire County Council, being used to move materials to and from construction sites, before returning to base each night to be recharged.
We are committed , noise and air pollution resulting
to playing our part in the UK’s push to reach net zero
They offer a range of around 150 km on a full charge from their four battery packs, including operation of the tipper body – making them ideal for the firm’s local work.
Rather than a traditional diesel engine, they are powered by a pair of electric motors and a two-speed gearbox, with power being generated by an electric motor with an output of 400 kW. The trucks can use different drive modes to help set the desired performance, comfort and energy usage levels.
Fox Group currently operates from 20 locations nationally, specialising in the supply and haulage of aggregates, recycled materials, muck-shift, earthworks and civil engineering projects.
LANCASHIREBUSINESSVIEW.CO.UK
Generally speaking, gas tends to be cheaper than electricity, but…
• Electricity tends to be more efficient - so you get more for your money
• Some sectors favour one over the other – restaurateurs, for example, have traditionally favoured gas hobs and ovens for the even cook and immediate response – although that’s changing
• If your business trades on its environmental credentials, electricity is the way forward as currently most gas is 100 per cent fossil fuel
Control your own energy destiny
Perhaps the biggest factor is security of supply and guarding against rising costs. Generating your own electricity can mitigate price rises and reduce your dependency on fossil fuels.
What if you mainly use gas?
It’s easy to generate your own electricity. But gas-dependent businesses can’t generate their own gas. That’s why it’s time to start planning how to switch your equipment to electric, so you can realise the benefits of generating your own power.
MaCaW can help. For a free carbon audit, report,
expert advice and the possibility of a 50 per cent matched grant of up to £15,000, talk to MaCaW on
01772 894179 or
macaw@uclan.ac.uk or visit
www.macawlancs.co.uk
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ENERGY
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