Biogas - the natural choice for city buses

Transcription

1 Biogas - the natural choice for city buses Extension stage

2 Biogas is pretty close to the ideal fuel Lars Magne Nerheim, professor, Bergen University College

3 The journey to cleaner public transport continues Cleaner public transport in the Baltic Sea Region is an effective measure to mitigate climate change, but also to improve air quality on a local scale, especially in cities. Introducing biogas as fuel together with hybrid electrical technologies is the natural choice for public transport buses. In addition, locally produced biogas can be part of building sustainable communities and of securing fuel supply. Thanks to co-financing of the EU, cities, companies and other organisations have worked together in the Baltic Biogas Bus project to further develop and share the opportunities for introducing biogas as fuel for public transport in more cities and regions in the Baltic Sea Region. After five years of highly valuable cooperation, the Baltic Biogas Bus project has come to an end. The final two years of cooperation focused on eco-driving, hybrid biogas buses and biogas upgrading and is described in this report. I truly hope that the project will be an inspiration for replication in other Baltic cities and regions. The project partners represent organisations from almost all the Baltic Sea Region countries and are eager to help you on that road. On behalf of all partners, I welcome you to contact us on biogas and clean public transport. You will find the details of contact persons in each country and all project reports on the project website Lastly, I would like to thank the project partners as well as other attending players and stakeholders for their active and constructive participation in this project. Västerås, Sweden, January 2015 Contents 1. Introduction 2. Increasing biogas supply 3. Increasing biogas bus energy efficiency 4. Strategic planning & action plans 5. Regional cooperation to increase impact 6. Demonstration projects changing the scene 7. Project partners Peter Liss President of Västerås Lokaltrafik Lead partner of the Baltic Biogas Bus extension stage Lennart Hallgren Project Manager, Baltic Biogas Bus Geert Schaap Project Manager, Baltic Biogas Bus 2

4 1. Introduction

5 1. INTRODUCTION Towards climate neutral public transport The aim of the Baltic Biogas Bus project is to reduce environmental impact from public transport by reducing carbon footprint, noise and air emissions. This is done by demonstrating hybrid biogas buses, eco-driving as well as biogas production and upgrading in eight countries in the Baltic Sea Region. The Baltic Biogas Bus project is part of the EU Baltic Sea Region Programme (eu.baltic.net). The strategic objective of the programme is to make the Baltic Sea Region an attractive place to live, work and invest in by promoting regional development through transnational cooperation between eleven countries. By piloting new or adapted solutions, the project aims at strengthening the business case of biogas for public transport bus fleets, also contributing to the EU target of reducing total greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 compared with 1990 s figures. This is also in line with the EU s Clean Power for Transport Strategy and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive. The first stage of the Baltic Biogas Bus project featured real life show cases followed by evaluations, studies and dialogue processes to increase knowledge and ensure sharing of the lessons learnt. The project partner group has provided a pan-baltic context for the project investments, monitoring and evaluation, thereby allowing for both technological and administrative solutions to be adapted to a broader market. During the first stage of the project, two areas were pointed out as particularly critical for the biogas bus business case: The upgrading of biogas to fuel quality, i.e. fuel supply The energy efficiency of biogas buses These two issues have been the focus of the extension stage project. An upgrading facility, demonstrating the potential of biogas fuel production, has been developed and tested in Poland. A socio-environmental-economic analysis illustrating the benefits of biogas upgrading was also done as part of the wider analysis regarding strategic planning to introduce more biogas buses. The issue of energy efficiency has been addressed using a technological as well as an operational approach. The project features investments in two different biogas-electric hybrid buses, which uses energy more efficiently. To further enhance the use of fuel, so called eco-driving support systems have been installed accompanied by training of bus drivers. This report summarises the experiences and lessons learned, with particular focus on the extension stage investments. All reports and outputs are available at the project website Project achievements & deliverables The first stage project ( ): Strategy for implementation of biogas Life Cycle Cost Analysis for biogas buses Tartu City transport plan including biogas Support cities to set up a strategy for introduction of biogas buses Strategy, policy and action plan manual Supply of biogas Desk top study on biogas production options and production potential scenarios Lessons learned from biogas production Overview of biogas production from different types of sources Distribution of biogas Baltic Sea Region biogas infrastructure overview Integrated regional distribution infrastructure planning Analysis of fuelling system alternatives Design of new bus depots and adaptation of existing depots for biogas buses Use of biogas Biogas bus use operational experiences Review of vehicle technology developments Feasibility studies to introduce biogas buses in Tartu, Estonia and Rzeszów, Walbrzych and Warsaw, Poland Laboratory biogas bus emission measurement The extension stage project ( ): Upgrading of biogas Small scale biogas upgrading facility in Poland Social-environmental-economic analysis on biogas as fuel in Poland Energy efficiency of biogas buses Hybrid electric biogas buses in Västerås, Sweden, and in Bergen, Norway Eco-driving systems and training to enhance fuel efficiency in project partner bus fleets 4

6 2. Increasing biogas supply Biogas production plant in Västerås, Sweden.

7 2. Increasing biogas supply Biogas - part of the sustainable eco-cycle A basic prerequisite for introducing more biogas buses in the Baltic Sea Region is securing a sufficient supply of fuel. The need to increase the biogas fuel supply is one of the focus areas of the Baltic Biogas Bus project s extension stage. Conclusions from the first stage of the Baltic Biogas Bus project show that there is a high potential for increasing biogas production from traditional sources in the Baltic Sea Region, and that new sources of biogas are necessary to meet future demand for biogas. Of course, securing long-term sufficient and reliable fuel supplies is a prerequisite for introducing more biogas buses. What is biogas and why use it? Biogas is a completely renewable energy source produced from household waste, sewage sludge, agricultural residues, landfill gas or other organic waste in local biogas plants. The biogas eco-cycle starts when waste is being produced. The waste is collected, pretreated and placed in an anaerobic digester where it is decomposed in a natural process for about one month. In the combustion process methane is converted to CO 2 and emitted to the atmosphere. Although CO 2 is a greenhouse gas, it is a lot less potent than methane. All in all, when using fossil transport fuel and leaving potential biogas substrates for uncontrolled decomposition, both sources will contribute to the greenhouse effect. If instead biogas is produced and used as transport fuel, the direct emissions will be decreased substantially and the source of methane emissions will be eliminated. Locally produced biogas also improves energy Storage of ley crops used for biogas production in Västerås, autonomy and creates jobs. Sweden. From a chemical perspective, there is little difference Upgrading of biogas between biogas and natural gas. They both consist mainly of The raw biogas produced from anaerobic digestion typically methane (CH contains percent methane and percent carbon 4 ). However, there is a big difference in the way they are generated. While natural gas is a fossil fuel requiring dioxide. It may also contain small and varying quantities of millions of years to materialize, biogas can be produced from hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen, other gases and particles, and organic waste in no more than a month. Hence, biogas is 100 water. Methane is the energy carrier of the biogas and to percent renewable, whereas natural gas is being depleted. use it as vehicle fuel the methane content must be raised to more than 90 percent*. The purifying process is often referred to as upgrading. This results in enriched biomethane, Substituting diesel or petrol with renewable biogas lowers the emissions of greenhouse gases and particles substantially. which may be compressed, distributed and used in vehicles. Organic substrates left for uncontrolled decomposition will Produced and used locally, for instance in public transport lead to natural emissions of methane to the atmosphere. If buses, biogas not only substitutes fossil fuels, but also plays these materials are used for biogas production instead, the an important part in a sustainable local eco-cycle of organic methane is collected in a controlled manner and can be used materials and nutrients. as transport fuel. 6 * The EU does not yet have a common standard for biogas used as vehicle fuel, although it is being discussed

8 2. increasing Biogas Supply As previously mentioned natural gas and biogas have the same main chemical component; methane. Hence, compressed natural gas, CNG, and compressed (upgraded) biogas, CBG, can be used similarly as vehicle fuel. However, the term CNG is widely used regarding methane used as vehicle fuel, be it renewable biogas or natural gas or any mixture of the two. In this report, the term CNG bus is therefore used to indicate buses that can be run on biogas. Biogas can be used for multiple purposes, but perhaps its greatest merit is replacing fossil fuels in the transportation sector. Biogas is produced in most countries in the Baltic Sea Region (and in the EU), but is mostly used to produce heat or electricity, for wich there are plenty of other applications and renweable sources available. Upgrading biogas to fuel standard and thereby increasing the biogas fuel supply may provide an important contribution to the EU goals of reducing CO 2 emissions and replacing fossil transport fuels. The Baltic Biogas Bus project has addressed this from several angles: Impact at system level when upgrading biogas If biogas currently used for producing electricity or heat is upgraded to fuel quality instead, electricity and heat must be produced from other sources. To ensure an environmentally sound energy supply at a system level, it is relevant to look at additional available renewable sources of electricity, heat and vehicle fuels. While renewable sources of electricity and heat such as solar power, wind power or geothermal heating are plenty, the renewable alternatives in the transportation sector are far more scarce. It is important to keep this in mind when assessing different alternatives and deciding on what route to take. Biogas potential in the Baltic Sea Region Sharing of experiences from biogas production Sources of biogas: food waste, landfills and other sources Biogas and hydrogen Biogas from gasification Biogas re-fuelling at the Björknäs depot in Stockholm, Sweden. Biogas distribution and fuelling Biogas upgrading unit in Örebro, Sweden. Once the biogas has been produced and upgraded, it has to be distributed. At the end of the distribution line is the bus depot where the fuelling of biogas buses take place. The first stage Baltic Biogas Bus project has also looked at the issues of biogas distribution and fuelling. The project has included reviews and studies of infrastructure planning, bus depots, distribution and fuelling system alternatives, mapping of biogas infrastructure, as well as the undertaking of biogas feasibility studies in Tartu in Estonia, Rzeszow in Poland and other regions. Through these reviews, the project provides an overview of available biogas distribution systems and techniques taking into account economic and environmental factors. A particular focus was a case study that was carried out by the Baltic Biogas Bus first stage project lead partner Stockholm Public Transport, SL. This study has provided useful references for cities, with the help of project partners, in the process of implementing biogas in public transport. More information and publications on these issues are found at the project website. 7

9 2. Increasing Biogas Supply Showcasing increased biogas upgrading A transnational sharing of experiences has been an important part of the project. By showcasing biogas upgrading, the Baltic Biogas Bus partnership aims to lead the way to more biogas being upgraded and used as fuel in public transport buses. A mobile upgrading facility has been installed at the landfill in Niepołomice in Poland during th extension stage project. The Niepołomice landfill has prolific biogas reserves, and demonstrating the feasibility of biogas upgrading in Poland will also be a convincing business case for other cities and regions. The upgraded biogas from the Niepołomice landfill is to be used in public transport CNG buses. Previous evaluations show that possible sources of biogas in Poland are plentiful. There is significant potential for biogas generation, especially from landfills. Therefore, biogas is considered to become an important future energy source for the entire country. Furthermore, effective degasification of landfills reduces methane emission to the atmosphere and provides an opportunity for reduced climate impact. referred to as biomethane, contains 95 percent CH 4 and 4,4 percent CO 2. The quality of the biomethane have been tested by refuelling a Solaris CNG bus and test running it. The testing of the bus powered by biomethane was made on a chosen city bus line. The bus operated without problems, which proves the high quality of the biomethane. The information obtained from the driver confirms the proper operation of the engine. The bus ran a total distance of about 150 kilometer when powered by biomethane. An ambition is for the upgrading facility to be easy to manage and maintain as well as having flexible operating conditions. In order to ensure the supply of electricity to the upgrading unit, a new 75 kw power line has been installed in the area. Necessary infrastructure like this may obstruct easy transfer of the mobile upgrading facility to a new location though. However, other infrastructure is not needed and therefore allows changing the location of the facility in the case of user change. At present the upgrading system is ready for operation, but there is still a need to optimise the biogas purification plant. The optimal parameters of the water flow, pressure and temperature should be will be optimised over time so as to increase the biogas upgrading efficiency. The small-scale upgrading unit at the landfill in Niepolomice. The small scale biogas upgrading system consists of two 20 feet containers. The biogas is fed from several drain wells to the gas dehydrator trap in the first container. Thereafter, the biogas flows through the pressure washer followed by desorption, where the biogas is purified of CO 2. With an average hourly biogas output rate of Nm³, the landfill is estimated to produce biogas for approximately years. The upgraded biogas is then fed to the second container, where it is compressed to a pressure of 25 MPa and pumped into the gas storage. From the storage, the biomethane is fed to the distributor, which enables refuelling of CNG vehicles. The prototype upgrading installations have a nominal hourly capacity of 100 Nm³ of raw biogas, which allows refilling of three CNG buses per day. Initial chemical analysis made by an independent laboratory show that the upgraded biogas, often The continued testing of the upgrading facility will consist of four steps. An optimisation of the process conditions is done in order to achieve a higher efficiency of the process. The water purification process will be investigated in a closed system for this purpose as well. Research will be carried out on how to enhance the quality of the biomethane. Another research on the selection of adsorbents of hydrogen sulfide and siloxanes will also be conducted. Inside one of the 20-feet containers of the upgrading unit. 8

10 3. Increasing biogas bus energy efficiency Intercity biogas bus in Västmanland county, Sweden.

11 3.Increasing Biogas bus energy efficiency Biogas buses in the Baltic Sea Region Upgraded biogas has been used as fuel in buses for many years. Biogas is a completely renewable fuel that does not contribute to the global warming effect, but the use of biogas in buses needs further improvements regarding the energy efficiency. This is the second focus area of the Baltic Biogas Bus extension stage project. Improving the biogas bus business case Conventional biogas buses, or CNG buses, are single fuel buses propelled by an internal combustion engine. The biogas is stored in high pressure tanks, usually on the rooftop of the bus. The biogas buses are refuelled through either slow or fast filling. Slow filling is by far the most common, typically done during the night while the buses are stationed at the depot. Why hybrid and what does it mean? Hybrid vehicles uses two or more distinct energy sources. Usually both power sources are used to propel the vehicle and the most common combination is an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Generally, hybrid vehicles are classified by the division of power. A parallel hybrid uses both power sources in parallel to provide acceleration, while a serial hybrid uses one source to provide acceleration and the other source to increase the power reserve. The electric motor causes zero tail-pipe emissions and is quiet and highly energy efficient. But on-board batteries alone may provide insufficient range and the combustion engine will thus function as a range extender. Using the hybrid technique creates an increased energy efficiency of the vehicle, which means a lower energy use per transport kilometre. Results in the Baltic Biogas Bus first stage project indicate that parallel hybrids are more efficient on highway driving, while serial hybrids are better suited for the stop-and-go characteristics of urban traffic. More information on this can be found in the publication Technical requirements for biogas-fuelled bus design on the project website. A conventional CNG bus in Pärnu, Estonia. Biogas buses do not only contribute to lower net carbon dioxide emissions, but also improve inner city air quality thanks to low emissions of particles and nitrogen oxide. They also decrease the noise level in cities by being more silent than conventional buses. Lower air and noise pollutions are especially important in urban areas, where these environmental qualities are often challenged and where many people are affected by the impacts. Improving inner city air quality and decreasing noise levels would therefore mean reducing health hazards for a huge number of people. One important aspect to further strengthen the business case of biogas buses, identified during the first stage of the Baltic Biogas Bus project, is to improve the energy efficiency of the vehicles. That would make that a bus can drive further on the same amount of biogas and thereby make the bus fleets even greener. To address this issue the extension stage put focus on piloting new technical solutions for biogas hybrid buses and eco-driving. Another possible hybrid implementation is to use different energy sources for different purposes in the bus. While the electric motor and driveline is used to propel the bus, the other energy source could be used for heating and other on-board support systems. Approximately 50 percent of the total energy use of a bus during a cold winter s day is used for purposes other than propelling it, especially heating. More and more manufacturers are looking into different types of hybrid engine solutions mainly to cut emissions. The range of hybrid bus engine solutions from different manufacturers is expected to increase rapidly in coming years. Showcasing biogas hybrid buses Combining upgraded biogas, possibly the cleanest renewable fuel available today, with the pre-eminent energy efficiency of the electric motor showcases greener, cleaner and more energy efficient public transport. During the Baltic Biogas Bus extension stage project investments have been made in two different biogas electric hybrid buses, which are tested, showcased and evaluated in Bergen, Norway and Västerås, Sweden. By putting different hybrid implementations to the test, the Baltic Biogas Bus project will move one step further on the way to sustainable public transport solutions with minimum impact on local environment and climate change. 10

12 3.Increasing Biogas bus energy efficiency Exquisite hybrid bus in Bergen, Norway In Bergen, Norway, a 24-meter newcomer made its way onto the streets in October The biogas electric serial hybrid bus is the first of its kind in Norway and is evaluated, tested and compared with a conventional articulated CNG bus. Skyss, the public transport authority in Hordaland County and the city of Bergen in Norway, with the support of HOG Energi, decided to invest in a serial hybrid biogas-electric bus. In Bergen buses are frequently exposed to uphill and downhill with a large number of stops, which require quick shifts in acceleration up to the regular speed. This makes the city an excellent test site for this type of series hybrid bus, which arrived on a freight ship from Belgium in October The 24 meter bi-articulated bus was delivered by Belgian bus manufacturer Van Hool. It is a completely new type of low floor tram-like bus concept called Exqui.City. The driveline is pairing electric traction with a biogas engine, which powers a generator when the 192 kw battery capacitiy is insufficient. The bus also uses re-generation of brake energy. The biogas engine situated in the rear runs on a constant, optimised speed of approximately rpm, which eliminates load variations and thus further increases the energy efficiency of the engine. The bus can be accessed through four doors, which minimises the time needed at each stop. The passenger capacity is 152 (55 seated & 97 standing), which enables an increase in total bus line capacity. The driver seat is in a central position in a separate cabin, which improves the work environment and occupational safety for the driver. It promotes a partially new way of thniking about public transport buses. Bus drivers of the bus operator Tide have been educated in how to drive and operate the hybrid bus. During a study visit the hybrid buses were also shown to the fire department in Bergen, and safety issues were deliberated. The hybrid buses have now been tested in regular traffic in Bergen and several delegations have also visited Bergen to study the serial hybrid biogas-electric bus. Mona Hellesnes, Deputy County Mayor in Hordaland County, in front of the newly arrived bus in the Bergen harbor area. On the road emission measurments Bergen University College is responsible for measuring the emissions from the bus and thanks to this project they are now equipped with the most advanced emission analysers and necessary support devices. The aim is to compare the hybrid bus with conventional biogas buses through on-the-road emission measurement along a given route in Bergen. The ongoing study includes measurements on energy use and emissions of CO 2 and NO X of the different buses. Integrating and analysing the results involves considerable work, because of the variations experienced in on-the-road conditions. The early results show that the emissions of NO and NO 2 are extremely low. The fuel consumption of the hybrid bus is also low; more than 30 percent reduction compared to the conventional articulated CNG buses. The noise inside and outside the bus is also very low. So far, conclusions point to the hybrid bus as being comfortable, running quietly, clean and fuel efficient. The newly arrived biogas hybrid bus on one of the first test trips in Bergen, Ocotber Further evaluations of the bus will also include the fuel consumption in summer and winter conditions, performance of the serial hybrid system and the range of the batteries. Feedback from passengers is also being collected ever since the hybrid bus started service on line 9 in December

13 The biogas-electric hybrid bus in Bergen, Norway.

14 3.Increasing Biogas bus energy efficiency Biogas-electric hybrid in Västerås, Sweden In Västerås, Sweden, apperances is deceiving. The new hybrid bus may look like other CNG buses, but underneath the hood very much is different. This bus is the first of its kind and is tested and evaluated alongside conventional CNG and diesel buses. Västerås Lokaltrafik (VL), the public transport operator in Västmanland County and the city of Västerås in Sweden, has invested in a hybrid bus from the Polish manufacturer Solaris. The bus uses electric traction and the biogas is dedicated to onboard heating. The hybrid biogas bus was introduced in Västerås with a media event in December The driver seat with three large touch screens on the dashboard. The development of this type of new biogas electric hybrid application was carried out in close dialogue between Solaris and VL. VL s input on developing the heating system as well as on adapting the bus s functionality to Swedish conditions was valuable in this process. With the biogas-electric hybrid bus, VL aims to improve the energy efficiency of its buses and to try out new applicaitons and new areas of use for the biogas. The hybrid bus, named Solaris E12 Hybrid, is a pilot project that is tested in regular traffic in Västerås public transport system. The bus seating capacity is 31 passengers along some additional standing passengers. The 12 meter bus uses electric traction powered by a 160 kw battery, while the biogas is dedicated to on-board heating. Especially during winter time, the heating requires as much as 50 percent of the total energy input to a city bus. The separate biogas heating system thus lowers the pressure on the batteries during cold winters. By using biogas for heating, all of the battery capacity is dedicated to driving the bus, keeping the bus range constant. Thus, this bus concept uses the biogas heating system as an indirect range extender, enabling a relatively small battery, and consequently a higher passenger capacity. Evaluating and comparing bus performances The performance and energy efficiency of the hybrid bus is compared with identical, conventional CNG buses and diesel buses, operating the same routes during similar hours. The comparison gives a wider perspective on the environmental impacts and the cost-effectiveness of the hybrid bus. Previous experiences from VL show that fuel consumption of biogas buses and diesel buses are very similar. Early results indicate that the new biogas electric hybrid bus is twice as energy efficient as the conventional buses tough. The hybrid is therefore also much cheaper to operate in city traffic and has significantly lower CO 2 emissions. Another environmental advantage with the hybrid bus is the lack of noise. The hybrid bus decreases noise levels and reduces hazardous impacts on people s health due to city noise. Drivers and technical staff at VL have participated in a training course, including maintenance of the bus and how to drive and charge it. The drivers appreciate it and consider the new bus very flexible to drive. It is also stronger and sharper than conventional buses. Some of the drivers even compare driving the hybrid biogas bus to driving a tram. In the further evaluations of the hybrid bus, focus is on the maintenance costs as well as the driveline, battery capacity and charging technologies. As in Bergen, feedback from the public will be collected as well. We must remain at the forefront of technological development Tommy Levinsson, chairman of the Public Transport Board, Västerås 13

15 Full page picture! The hybrid bus in Västerås, Sweden.

16 3.Increasing Biogas bus energy efficiency Behavioural changes maximizes biogas use More energy efficient driving habits, so called ecodriving, is another aspect looked into by the Baltic Biogas Bus project as a way to increase the energy efficiency of biogas buses. Eco-driving saves fuel, money and the environment. Eco-driving in biogas buses also maximizes the use of biogas as vehicle fuel, improving environmental performance even further. What is eco-driving? The purpose of the eco-driving concept is primarily to save fuel in order to reduce emissions. But saving fuel also, of course, saves money. Key factors to eco-driving in buses Plan ahead and try to avoid unnecessary stops Use the terrain and maintain an even speed at low rpm Use the kinetic energy of the vehicle Stay within speed limits - you do not loose time Minimize idle running since it requires much fuel for no good By compiling data for the entire bus fleet, the fleet manager can follow up driving behaviour, fuel use, fuel savings, cost reductions and emission reductions. Some companies have chosen to use the data reports as basis for bonus rewards to the best performing drivers. However, technology can only provide a helping hand. Commitment from the drivers, spurred on by information and incentives from company management, is what really makes the change. Eco-driving success requires long-term work throughout all parts of the implementing organisation. Piloting eco-driving in the Baltic Sea Region The lead partner of the Baltic Biogas Bus project, Västerås Lokaltrafik, has already come a long way in eco-driving and provides an example for others to follow. VL has installed a support system from the Swedish supplier Pilotfish in almost all its buses, and has appointed a former driver as full time eco-driving coach. Furthermore, part of the money saved by reduced fuel consumption is paid back to the drivers through a specific bonus scheme. In Västerås, more than 70 percent of buses run on biogas and indications are that eco-driving makes an even bigger difference to biogas buses than diesel buses. In addition to saving fuel, eco-driving in buses has also shown to reduce noise and give a smoother and safer ride, to the benefit of the passengers. A smoother style of driving has also shown to reduce wear and tear of the vehicles, thereby decreasing maintenance costs. Eco-driving is not specific to biogas buses, but conserving fuel is even more important when supply is scarce. This is often the case for biogas. Eco-driving educations and courses, online, in simulators and in actual vehicles, promise fuel saving potentials of up to 25 percent. However, effects of the training tend to decrease over time. Field studies indicate that 5-10 percent is a more realistic outcome, and continuous follow-ups are necessary to maintain the new style of driving long-term. Technology as a helping hand Eco-driving support systems provide an immediate feedback to the driver, guiding her or him to pursue energy efficient driving habits. It is an effective way to encourage a new behaviour. The system does not force the driver to drive differently though; it only assists the driver to pursue new habits. The data on driver performance can also be used to give feedback and coach the drivers to become even better. Frans Einarsson, eco-driving coach at VL, in a CNG bus in Köping, Sweden. The first stage of the Baltic Biogas Bus project gathered operational experiences of biogas bus use in Stockholm, which also can be used to enhance the efficiency of buses. Experiences in bus maintenance, fuelling techniques and biogas quality are discussed and the results show how the performance of buses combined with the improved knowledge among operating personnel have made bus use more efficient. More information on this can be found in previous publications on the project website. 15

17 3.Increasing Biogas bus energy efficiency Showcasing energy efficient eco-driving The Baltic Biogas Bus extension stage features investments in eco-driving support equipment in Poland and Lithuania. By showcasing more energy efficient driver behaviour the aim is to further improve the environmental performance of public transport in the Baltic Sea Region. The lead partner Västerås Lokaltrafik has contributed much needed knowledge and experience on eco-driving to all other partners. The partners jointly prepared the basis for procuring the support systems, but the procurements were done by each respective partner. The whole process was monitored and discussed by the entire partnership. The scope of the eco-driving activites and previous experiences, has also been discussed and disseminated at events and seminars during the extension stage project. Polish partner MTI and Lithuanian partner Kauno Autobusai have invested in a number of units to be tried and tested. However, since the investments only cover up to 10 units, this is not a full-scale test and the results and experiences must be viewed accordingly. eco-panel giving the driver instant feedback with a green, yellow or red light depending on driver behaviour. The data is collected and compiled into weekly reports for further evaluation and driver feedback. The initial reactions differed. Some drivers felt that it was difficult to adopt a partially new style of driving, while others thought the eco-panel could be of great help, really making them think twice and supporting them while handling the bus. The implementation continues and hopefully the results are good enough to justify a full-scale investment later on. Lithuania Kauno Autobusai has invested in ten units from the Swedish supplier Pilotfish. These were installed in CNG buses operating in Kaunas and 30 drivers has undergone training during a 3-week period, learning the basics of eco-driving and the functionality of the Pilotfish system. A basic helper pinpointing the eco-driving essentials, translated to Lithuanian, was also put in all buses. In parallell to this, bus operator Tide in Bergen, Norway, (awarded the contract by Skyss) has tested and evaluated different eco-driving support system alternatives. Tide is now in the process of full-scale implementation in all the buses in the Bergen bus fleet and some initial experiences has been shared with the Baltic Biogas Bus partners. Poland MTI have invested in eight eco-driving support units from Norwegian supplier Saga. These are installed in CNG buses in the cities of Tychy and Rzeszów and a group of drivers have gone through training, learning the basics of eco-driving and the functionality of the system. The installation features FMS gateways collecting and transferring data as well as the Saga The Saga eco-panel in a CNG bus in Tychy, Poland. The Pilotfish gateway mounted in a CNG bus in Kaunas, Lithuania. Each driver logs on to the Pilotfish system using a unique code. The system gateway collects data, which is presented to the driver in real-time and saved for later reference. Data reports are also available online in a cloud service. Initially most driver reactions were positive and supportive. Many of the drivers felt the eco-driving scheme was familiar, but not always possible to maintain in every day workings under the pressure of time schedules. But by collecting data and presenting it in real-time on the driver console it could be a reminder and a powerful way of promoting a partially new style of driving. Many drivers, however, also pointed to the fact that some motivational system for the drivers should be in place, to ensure that the implementation is done with long-term persistence. 16

18 4. Strategic planning and action plans

19 4.Strategic planning and action plans Drivers for biogas bus implementation Effective implementation of biogas buses and biogas fuel supply systems requires coherent longterm strategic planning, policies and action plans. The Baltic Biogas Bus project has analysed how more biogas buses can be introduced in public transport systems. What makes a successful implementation? The Baltic Biogas Bus project has reviewed and analysed key issues to consider during the process, from the development of a shared vision, to the adaptation of strategies and the implementation of concrete action plans regarding biogas buses and biogas fuel supply systems. The work has resulted in publications, workshops and seminars, together increasing the shared knowledge on: Strategies, policies, manuals, and action plans on how to introduce biogas buses in public transport Impacts from regulation and taxation on biogas use Life cycle cost analysis Typical key drivers for introducing biogas in public transport buses are considerations of climate change, peak oil, inner city air quality, reliability of fuel supply and increased need for clean public transport. Other factors, such as regional infrastructure development, local employment opportunities and sustainable waste management, are often considered added values when evaluating the option of biogas. For a successful biogas bus implementation, the best available techniques should be used. Long-term contracts between user and supplier of the biogas need to be in place to allow for the necessary investments and to anticipate for fluctuating fuel prices. Last but not least, ambitious political goals combined with communication and awareness raising campaigns on the benefits of biogas as a transport fuel, have shown to be strong support mechanisms in successful biogas projects. Investigations made during the first stage Baltic Biogas Bus project clearly show the importance of long term political will at local level to introduce biogas as transport fuel. It is of utmost importance to set up long term sustainable environmental goals. Without long term planning, including the establishment of contracts between users and suppliers, the necessary upfront investments are unlikely to take place. Along with local and regional political will, national policies are very important. The regulatory framework, including for example tax regulations or exemptions and subsidies, to a very high extent determine what biogas will be used for. The investigations show that initial subsidies can be a useful tool for propelling investments in producing biogas for public transport. Socio-environmental-economic biogas analysis The possible gains of using biogas as vehicle fuel compared to using it for other purposes, to a very high extent depend on local circumstances. Substituting fossil transport fuels with biogas provides important socio-economic and environmental gains, which might be diffucult to asses and quantify though. Following on the investment made in a small-scale upgrading unit in Poland, made possible by the Baltic Biogas Bus project, a desktop study focusing on the socio-environmentaleconomic benefits of biogas upgrading has been undertaken. The full report is available at the project website. Assessments of the benefits of biogas production and utilization should be related to the specific national energy mix as well as other possible energy sources for different purposes. The main benefits of biogas, in general, are related to the use of biogas to replace fossil energy sources and the use of biofertilizer, which recycles nutrients. Turning waste into clean renewable fuel captures CH 4 and NO 2 emissions form the organic materials, and replaces fossil fuels, which reduces green house gas emissions substantially. The green house gas emissions are reduced further by using the biofertilizer to replace imported fertilizers. These are the main environmental benefits of biogas. The primary socio-economic benefits of biogas are related to biogas upgrading and the use of biogas in the transportation sector specifically. Using biogas as transport fuel reduces the emissions of particles. This is especially important in urban areas with high population density, where cleaner air means less exposure to different pollutants, which affects peoples health and the cost of health care. Local production of clean fuel creates local job opportunities, both related to the actual biogas production and to different sub-contractors and suppliers, which affects local economic growth and improves the local tax base. Aside from substituting fossil fuels and creating jobs, locally produced clean transport fuel also means increased security and diversification of energy supply. For some countries, this is a way of reducing dependency on fuel exportiong nations and reducing storage of imported fuel. 18

20 5. Regional cooperation to increase impact

21 5. Regional cooperation to increase impact Valuable cooperation in the EU The Baltic Biogas Bus project s network offers a platform for sharing and disseminating knowledge, experiences and new technologies, thereby achieving better results. The broad spectrum of partners involved in a transnational cooperation, provides the potential to acquire a complete picture of using CNG buses. To obtain vertical and horizontal integration and transnationality, the networks in each country have included a variety of organisations with different perspectives, interests and experiences. This has been an efficient platform for dissemination of the project. The associated organisations have been clustered to biogas producers, infrastructure for gas distribution, bus operators and producers, local and regional transport authorities, research and technology organisations as well as stakeholders from policy and strategy level. Through the sharing of experiences, the project partners have been able to illustrate the importance of long-term political decisions and commitments when introducing biogas buses in the public transport system of a city or region. Developing the production and distribution infrastructure, together with the investments in new vehicles, is much more likely to occur if initial subsides can be acquired. As mentioned earlier, tax regulations and other regulatory instruments also need to be in place to ensure a more advantageous business case. The increased knowledge and awareness on how to introduce biogas buses in public transport has clarified responsibilities between the stakeholders involved and resulted in increased commitment. In doing so it has influenced people s behaviour as well as the political agenda in several cities and regions. Out of the total project budget of 3.2 million Euro, two thirds was earmarked for the investments in hybrid biogas electric buses, the biogas upgrading installation and the eco-driving systems. The Norwegian government and the EU via the Baltic Sea Region Programme have co-financed all project activities. Each project partner has co-funded the project with an amount ranging from 15 to 50 percent. The contribution of the Baltic Sea Region programme has made it possible to implement innovative hybrid technology in an early stage, giving European manufacturers of hybrid buses a competitive advantage. The funding also enabled the Polish Motor Transport Institute to acquire a mobile biogas upgrading installation that is being tested in Niepolomice in the south of Poland. The funding for minor investments in eco-driving systems for the buses of different partners has established a platform for joint-learning and comparison of using these systems for more fuel efficient gas buses. As such the funding has been a very important driver for the partners to test new and innovative solutions to reach more sustainable public transport as well as improving air quality. A prerequisite of the Baltic Sea Region programme is that all projects need partners from at least three Baltic Sea region countries to be eligible for funding. That has been a very positive incentive to convince partners to broaden their horizons and endeavour into international cooperation. For many organisations it is considered to be beyond their scope to put effort into activities outside its own region, not to mention outside its home country. This international cooperation made partners look at clean public transport with new eyes, opened up fruitful discussions and introduced new solutions. Partners have supported one another to implement innovative solutions, based on their own experiences. The international partnership established is also a valuable contact network for future cooperation. The five year cooperation has enabled disseminating and learning valuable experiences from one another and the exploring of new ideas. A stronger EU identity developed as partners got to know each other as well as experiencing both differences and similarities in cultures and practices. This opens up for further cooperation between countries in Europe, mutual understanding and new, flourishing business opportunities. The collaboration between partners is one of the many positive results of the project Oddmund Sylta, Managing Director of Skyss 20

22 5. Regional cooperation to increase impact Showcasing regional cooperation Seminars, conferences and meetings The Balic Biogas Bus extension stage project was launched with a seminar and partner meeting in Riga, Latvia, on the 30 th of September and 1 st of October Among attendats were representatives of the Riga City Council and the Latvian Road Transport Administration. The seminar featured presentations and discussions on the up-coming activities and investments in the extension stage project. The sharing of experiences between the project partners has continued through meetings and dialogues. Both the first and the extension stages of the Baltic Biogas Bus project have included regional seminars, workshops and conferences as well as study visits to biogas production plants and bus depots. During the extension stage, international events were organised in Riga (Latvia), Västerås (Sweden), Kaunas (Lithuania), Warsaw (Poland) and twice in Bergen (Norway). Politicians, other decision-makers and associated partners have been involved in the events to achieve maximum multiplier impact. These events have thus enabled decision-makers from around the Baltic Sea Region to discuss biogas bus developments. All project investments have been prepared, monitored and evaluated by the partner group as a whole in a pan-baltic context to ensure the exchange of knowledge between different experts. Results and conclusions have been compared and exchanged throughout the Baltic Sea Region. opportunity to discuss pathways to more sustainable public transport systems with colleagues from other regions and countries. The response from the participants was very positive, as the trips led to an increased understanding of the political and technological processes turning cities and regions into biogas bus frontrunners, as well as inspiration on how public-private partnerships may result in low-carbon and low-emission urban public transport solutions. Several of the policy makers participating have expressed interest in using the experiences to develop similar systems for waste to fuel in their own cities and regions. Test trip in the brand new 24-meter hybrid bus in Bergen, November Media coverage & communication channels Throughout the first stage and extension stage projects both media, decision-makers and the general public have showed a lot of interest in the topics investigated by the Baltic Biogas Bus partners. Local, regional and national newsmedias in several countries have reported about the project scope and investments, transnational politicians biogas bus-trips, events and meetings. Study visit to the biogas plant in Västerås, Sweden, during the bus trip in December Transnational politicians biogas bus trips Through the Baltic Biogas Bus project, bus-trips catering to interested politicians and decision-makers from the partner countries were arranged in Västerås, Sweden and in Bergen, Norway. Several parts of the biogas-to-fuel value chain have been showcased. During the bus trips, decision-makers also took the Discussions from meetings and events and the progress of investment activities in the project have been informed about in recurring newsletters and on the project website, which has attracted thousands of visitors. Along with articles in newspapers, broadcasting services, newsletters, website and different symposia, the project parternship has also used brochures, roll-ups, factsheets and showrooms to showcase and inform about the project scope, investments, results and experiences. Newsletters, presentations, reports and all other information materials produced are available on the project website. 21

23 Seminars & events Riga, Latvia, 30 th October 2013 Västerås, Sweden, 12 th December 2013 Bergen, Norway, 17 th March 2014 Niepolomice, Poland, 2 nd June 2014 Kaunas, Lithuania, 9 th September 2014 Warsaw, Poland, 4 th November 2014 Bergen, Norway, 21 st November

24 Communicating project scope & results To promote and disseminate the scope and progress of the Baltic Biogas Bus project the partners have produced broschures, roll-ups and fact sheets, while also using newsletters and the project website for continous updates. 23

25 Publisert kl 09:41 Oppdatert kl 09:42 I dag settes superbussen inn på busslinje 9, som går fra Festplassen til Kronstad. Den nye maksibussen er 24 meter lang. Vi foretok derfor en risikoanalyse av området fra Kronstad til Bjørnsons gate, sier Rasmussen. Press & media coverage News and notices about the project activities, events and investments have been featured in numerous different medias across the Baltic Sea Region. The complete list of articles is available on the website Gasträff i Västerås publicerat av U LO 11 DECEMBER 2013 S I DA F Ö R U T S K RI F T ALTERNATIVE FUELS The Baltic Biogas Bus project is designed to stimulate the use of biogas as a fuel for city buses, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact. Baltic biogas future The world is facing an increased demand for transport of all kinds, but more and more people are also becoming aware of the transport s impact on the environment and climate. Our transport systems and vehicles need to become more efficient and sustainable. At the same time, an increasing amount of people live and work in urban areas, which increases pressure on public transport systems to be accessible, safe and sustainable, resulting in a boosted interest in renewable biofuels. The Baltic Biogas Bus project and the extension stage, More Baltic Biogas Bus, aims to prepare for and showcase an increased, more energy cost efficient use of biogas as fuel in public transport buses as a way of minimising climate impact and reaching the EU 2020 targets. Renewable and clean Biogas is a completely renewable energy source and part of the natural eco-cycle. Upgraded and used as transport fuel, biogas not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also helps to improve inner city air quality through low emissions of particles and nitrogen oxide. Taking into account that biogas can be produced from household food waste and wastewater, a resource in all urban areas, makes it very attractive to public transport. Biogas around the Baltic Sea The main stage Baltic Biogas Bus (BBB) project was initiated by Stockholm Public Transport and started in With a total of 12 partners from eight different countries, the project aimed to prepare for an increased use of biogas buses in the Baltic Sea region. Apart from the project partners, several biogas producers and distributors, bus suppliers and other bus operators participated and provided input and experiences. During the three-year project, biogas production potentials were investigated along with different options for, and experiences from, biogas distribution and fuelling, implementation and usage. A main project outcome is a manual on how to introduce biogas buses in public transport. The results and achievements were summed up in October 2012, concluding that biogas is the best choice available to lower emissions An intercity CNG bus in Västmanland County, Sweden from public transport city buses. One of the keys to success is long term, strategic and sustainable political decisions. But the project partnership also pointed to some areas, such as increased upgrading of biogas and improved energy efficiency in biogas buses, in need of further attention. The success of the project and the commitment from all partners opened the door to an extension stage project in Even more biogas In June 2013, the More Baltic Biogas Bus (More BBB) project was approved. The partnership for the on-going extension consists of eight partners from the original project accompanied by the new lead partner Västerås Public Transport. The More BBB project is divided into two main components: increased upgrading of biogas to vehicle fuel quality; and more energy efficient use of biogas as fuel in public transport buses. To demonstrate these two aspects of biogas development, the project features several concrete investments in green technology throughout the region. EU energy efficiency The EU has put increased efficiency at the top of the energy agenda. In 2012, the EU adopted a new directive to promote energy efficiency within the Union in order to ensure the achievement of the EU 2020 targets. This obliges all member states to encourage energy efficiency improvements in households, industries and transport sectors. The More BBB project targets end use of energy in public transport buses, where improvements in energy efficiency could be made in two principal ways: technological and operational. The technological approach, i.e. developing more energy efficient engines and drivelines, is perhaps the most obvious solution. But the operational approach, for instance, more energy efficient driving habits, has significant fuel saving potential at a relatively low cost and should not be overlooked Bussmagasinet Biogasbussar i Västerås. Foto: Ulo Maasing. Aktörer runt Östersjön som är intresserade av användning av biogas för kollektivtrafik möts på torsdagen i Västerås. Mötet är en del av EU projektet Baltic Biogas Bus där Västerås Lokaltrafik (VL) är projektägare. Projektet startade 2009 och Sverige representeras där av Västerås Lokaltrafik samt Biogas Öst. I övrigt deltar aktörer från Norge, Tyskland, Polen, Estland, Lettland och Litauen. Det ursprungliga projektet förlängdes i somras med fokus på ökad uppgradering av biogas till fordonsbränsle och en effektivare användning av biogas som bränsle i bussar genom hybridisering och sparsam körning. Inom ramen för projektet kommer småskalig uppgradering av biogas till bussbränsle att testas i Polen, gas elhybridbussar upphandlas och testas i Bergen och Västerås, och sparsam körning för att spara bränsle testas på flera orter runtom i regionen. O F F I C E D E P O T Nå skal denne bussen ut på veiene BA Välkommen till Sveriges största kontorsvaruhus på Nästan fördubblat i Västerås vid årsskiftet Artiklar(RSS) Kommentarer (RSS) Den nye maksibussen er 24 meter lang, og settes i dag inn på linje 9, fra Festplassen til Kronstad. Sjåførene utstyres med fjernkontroller, slik at de kan forlenge lysintervallet Foto: ARNE RISTESUND Nå skal denne bussen ut på veiene I dag settes den nye superbussen i rute. Sjåførene frykter sammenstøt med Bybanen. 136 Pan European Networks: Government 11 Linda Nilsen Profil E post Linda Hilland Profil E post Derfor kan den ikke kjøre alle steder. Bakgrunnen for at linje 9 er valgt er at det er en enkelt og forholdsvis strak og flat trasé med få holdeplasser. Etter det BA kjenner til er flere i Tide bekymret for et eventuelt sammenstøt mellom maksibussen og Bybanen. Bussen skal krysse bybanesporet på Kronstad for å komme seg opp og ned busstoppet som ligger like utenfor døren ved den nye høyskolen. Det er veldig mange potensielt farlige krysningspunkt langs traseen både mellom Bybanen, bussene, annen biltrafikk og gående, sier Arne Rasmussen, hovedverneombud i Tide. Han sier sjåførene har uttrykt bekymring. RISIKOANALYSE Han vil ikke gi detaljer om hvilke punkt som er mest utsatt, men sier sjåførene er spent på hvordan kjøringen kommer til å fungere. Sjåførene er spesialtrent til å kjøre den lange bussen. Deres viktigste fokus er å holde trafikkreglene, senke skuldrene og ta det med ro når de kjører, sier Rasmussen til BA. 1/2 Första Solarishybriden i Sverige publicerat av U LO 15 JANUARI 2014 S I DA F Ö R U T S K RI F T Solaris Urbino 12 Hybrid. Nu har den framgångsrika polska busstillverkaren sålt sin första hybridbuss i Sverige. Bild: Solaris. Den polska busstillverkaren Solaris har sålt sin första hybridbuss på den svenska marknaden. Det är Västerås Lokaltrafik som kommer att testa en hybridbuss, en tolvmeters Solaris Urbino, i stadstrafiken i Västerås. Bussen är en el/biogashybrid och den första hybridbussen från Solaris på den svenska marknaden. Västerås Lokaltrafik köper bussen i utvärderingssyfte i samarbete med EU projektet Baltic Biogas Bus. Bussen ska levereras i juni och sättas i trafik under september månad. Bussen har ett batteri med en kapacitet på 160 kwh. En speciallösning är att bussen får två gastuber på taket till värmeförsörjning. 24