Britain’s first dual fuel bus will cut emissions by half

A consortium brought together by low-carbon experts at the University of East Anglia has launched the first bus in the UK to run on clean, biomethane gas. The innovative dual-fuel diesel-biomethane powered bus will reduce pollutant emissions and greenhouse gas emissions by around a half. It is hoped the technology will be rolled out to bus fleets across the country and further afield.

The consortium behind the new bus is led by UEA’s Low Carbon Innovation Centre (LCIC) and includes leading independent bus operator Anglian Bus, bus manufacturer Optare plc, and engine conversion specialists Hardstaff Group of Nottingham.

The dual-fuel vehicle is a standard Optare Solo single-deck diesel midibus from the Anglian Bus fleet. Originally powered entirely by diesel, the Mercedes-Benz engine has been adapted to run for 60-80% of the time on clean, low-carbon biomethane. Biomethane is chemically identical to the methane in natural gas but it is made by bacterial action on biowastes. Biomethane is extracted from landfill sites or from biogas produced in purpose-built anaerobic digestion facilities.

Project leader Dr Bruce Tofield, of UEA’s Low Carbon Innovation Centre, says: ‘Dual-fuel use is a very attractive option. The vehicle can still run on diesel, providing flexibility, but most of the time is running on biomethane gas which is a much cleaner and less polluting fuel.

‘In particular, the cost of conversion of a diesel bus to dual-fuel use is a small fraction of the cost of a new natural gas bus. Conversion to dual-fuel use is potentially a viable option for most if not all diesel buses in the UK and, indeed, across Europe and more widely.’

Funding for the project came partly from an EU-sponsored Civitas programme in which UEA and Anglian Bus were partners with Norwich, Norfolk County Council and cities across Europe. The Civitas Initiative exists to promote cleaner and better transport in Europe’s cities.

LCIC scientists have been monitoring air pollution in Norwich since 2005 as part of the Civitas programme. In Norwich, as in many UK cities, emissions from buses are of particular concern. They noticed how the buses in Malmo in Sweden, a partner city in the Civitas programme, were powered by clean natural gas (methane), resulting in significantly lower levels of harmful emissions. Of special interest was the fact that Malmo was beginning to use biomethane rather than natural gas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as pollutant emissions.

‘This conversion shows just how important EU projects can be in helping us learn from what cities elsewhere have done,’ says Dr Tofield. ‘Now we are going one step further and showing how existing bus fleets can be economically converted to low-carbon, low-emissions running. The potential for reducing traffic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from buses and other fleet vehicles in cities in Britain, Europe, and across the world is very exciting.’

From: http://www.eei-online.com/news.php?key=2370 

Norfolk in fast lane of electric dream

Norfolk has been urged to seize the moment and put Norwich in the fast lane of the government’s £250m vision of getting more drivers into electric cars.

Ministers unveiled radical plans to make electric cars a reality with drivers accessing grants of up to £5000 to buy one from 2011.

Electric cars can range from £10,000 for a two-seater My Car to up to £70,000 for a top-range Tesla Roadster but ministers want to do more to bring them into the price range of the average motorist because of the impact on carbon emissions.

The government is also seeking bids from places interested in becoming “electric cities” to showcase and promote the technology and pay for the installation of charging points - with a strong belief locally that Norwich could be the perfect location.

Around 200 electric cars would also be available in city centres for the public to test drive.

Norfolk engineering firm Lotus, which has helped developed the Tesla Roadster technology, urged transport chiefs to get behind a city bid, claiming one in five motorists in and around Norwich could be driving electric within a decade.

Simon Wood, its technical director, said both city and region were perfectly placed to take advantage of the scheme and government grants to get motorists to buy electric were “exactly the right answer”.

He said it would bring business benefits to the wider region and boost the use of “ultra low carbon” cars which could also include those powered by biofuels.

“I think it would be fantastic for the city,” he said. “It just seems so obvious. As a regional centre it has got well defined boundaries and a good park-and-ride network.

“There are lots of people who live in or just outside of Norwich who commute daily. That’s really where the electric car wins, and £5,000 off one of the lower price cars is probably enough to make people have a look at it.

“If the city and county councils were really positive they could say no-one could come into the city centre unless they had an electric car - otherwise they could leave their car at the park and ride.”

Currently electric car owners can get free parking permits in Norwich, while Chapelfield Shopping Centre car park is the only one locally where drivers can charge up.

The plans would also allow areas access to £20m to improve infrastructure such as charging stations and other types of infrastructure.

Brian Morrey, Norwich city council’s executive member for sustainable development, said: “It sounds like a good idea if they are willing to put the money in.”

But he said with council funding tight it would be down to the government to find most of the cash, adding: “I would like to know more of the details because I don’t want it to become another one of these things that’s going to cost us an arm and a leg.”

Marcus Armes, of the Carbon Reduction Initiative (Cred), said he was planning to talk to bosses at UEA, which is developing a renewable power plant capable of supplying electricity to the cars, to see if they would support the idea.

“I don’t think it’s a panacea, but electric cars have really got a part to play - 60pc of journeys are under 25 miles, and there is a lot of commuting going on in Norwich, so it would be a sensible idea for the city,” he said.

Adrian Gunson, cabinet portfolio-holder for planning and transportation at County Hall, said he would be happy for Norwich to look at the electric city idea but feared vehicles would not be viable in rural areas. And he was against banning traditional cars from the city centre.

“Anything that reduces pollution in the city is a good idea and well worth looking at, but for rural areas there are questions about whether the technology has reached the point to encourage people to go to the extra trouble of having one,” he said.

But Rupert Read, Green Party transport spokesman at City Hall said the investment would only work if supported by a “massive shift” towards renewable energy.

The AA welcomed the initiative and said while cities like London and Manchester could be in pole position for the electric city roles, Norwich could also be well placed because it had a car club, where electric cars could be used.

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon, who took a spin in an electric car with Lord Mandelson, said cutting road transport CO2 emissions was a “key element” to tackling climate change.

“The scale of incentives we’re announcing will mean an electric car is a real option for motorists as well as helping to make the UK a world leader in low carbon transport,” he said.

 From: http://www.edp24.co.uk

2008 Car CO2 emmision figures down 4.2% against 2007

CO₂ emissions from new cars fell by their biggest ever margin in 2008 with the average model now emitting just 158.0g/km - 4.2% less than the 2007 figure and 16.8% down on the 189.8g/km base level in 1997.

The figures, revealed in the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) annual New Car CO₂ Report, showed that while the number of cars on the road and the distance travelled has increased, their share of totalUK emissions continues to fall. Cars now account for just 11.5% of the country’s total CO₂ emissions, largely as a result of new technology, improved fuel consumption rates and better consumer awareness.

CO₂ emissions have fallen across all market segments with the larger end of the market making some of the biggest improvements. In addition, increased consumer awareness and changes to vehicle taxation have resulted in a move towards ‘best in class’ choices with most consumers opting to buy a model with CO₂emissions within the bottom quarter of their preferred segment’s range.

“The motor industry has made enormous progress in its work to cut the environmental impact of its products but more must be done if the tough targets set by European legislation are to be met,” said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt. “Maintaining a steady rate of fleet renewal is vital to this success so the recent fall in new car registrations presents more than an economic challenge. Again, we urge government to implement a scrappage incentive scheme to take older, high-emitting cars off the road and boost the new car market.”

The adoption of the new car CO₂ regulation in December 2008 set a phase-in target for vehicle manufacturers to ensure their average fleet emissions do not exceed 130g/km by 2015. In the UK, there are already 236 models emitting less than 130g/km on the UK market but for the target to be met, an annual improvement of 2.5% per year must be maintained.

For more, please download the full report

Clean technology venture investment reaches record $8.4 billion in 2008 despite credit crisis and broadening recession

Even with diminished 4Q08 results, clean technology investment fundamentals remain strong.

The Cleantech Group™, founders of the clean technology investment category and providers of leading global market research and other services for the clean technology ecosystem, today announced preliminary 2008 results for clean technology venture investments in North America, Europe, China and India totaling a record $8.4 billion, up 38% from $6.1 billion in 2007. The 2008 total represents the seventh consecutive year of growth in venture investing, widely recognized as a leading indicator of overall investment patterns: Historical Clean Technology VC Investment By Year North America, Europe & Israel, China, India 2001 $506,780,774 2002 $883,269,409 2003 $1,258,565,762 2004 $1,398,256,823 2005 $2,077,524,074 2006 $4,520,208,949 2007 $6,087,179,844 2008 (preliminary) $8,414,259,610 Source: Cleantech Group (cleantech.com) “As expected, clean technology venture investing slowed in 4Q08, but it’s important not to miss the forest for the trees,” said Nicholas Parker, Executive Chairman, Cleantech Group. “In 2008, there was a quantum leap in talent, resources and institutional appetite for clean technologies. Now, more than ever, clean technologies represent the biggest opportunities for job and wealth creation.” Preliminary results for 4Q08 indicate venture investment commitments worldwide of $1.7 billion across 99 disclosed investments, the smallest quarterly total in 6 quarters. 4Q08 was down 35% from 3Q08, yet down only 4% from 4Q07 despite a much more difficult economy. The top clean technology sectors in 2008 were solar, biofuels, transportation, and wind. Solar accounted for almost 40% of total clean technology investment dollars in 2008, followed by biofuels at 11%. “2008 saw solar take a 40% share of clean technology venture investment dollars, led by mega-investment rounds in thin-film solar, concentrated solar thermal and solar service provider companies,” said Brian Fan, Senior Director of Research, Cleantech Group. “Investors also continued to migrate from first-generation ethanol and biodiesel technologies to next-generation biofuels technologies, led by algae and synthetic biology companies. Other sectors with healthy investor interest included smart grid companies, small-scale wind turbines, plastics recycling, green buildings and agriculture technologies.” Top Venture Capital Clean Technology Sectors in 2008 Technology Sector Amount Invested % of total Solar $3.3 billion 40% Biofuels (including ethanol, biodiesel, synthetic biology, algae) $904 million 11% Transportation (including electric vehicles, advanced batteries, fuel cells) $795 million 9.5% Wind $502 million 6.0% Smart Grid $345 million 4.1% Agriculture $166 million 2.0% Water $148 million 1.8% Top clean technology funding rounds in 2008 were dominated by US-based solar companies: Five Largest Clean Technology Rounds in 2008 Company Description Amount Raised NanoSolar (USA) Thin-film solar (CIGS) $300 million Solyndra (USA) Thin-film solar (CIGS) $219 million SoloPower (USA) Thin-film solar (CIGS) $200 million WinWinD Oy (Finland) Wind Turbines $177 million Solar Reserve (USA) Concentrated Solar Thermal $140 million BY WORLD REGION: EUROPE AND ISRAEL European and Israeli companies raised $1.8 billion in 146 disclosed rounds, up 43% from 2007. Europe and Israel accounted for 21% of the global total. The traditionally strong energy generation sector increased its share of total investment to 71% ($1.279 billion) from 56% ($ 703 million) in 2007, with a strong increase in investments in wind ($322.6 million, an increase of 294% from 2007) and solar ($589.3 million, an increase of 64% from 2007) leading the way. Outside of the energy generation sectors, energy efficiency investing led the way, representing 8% ($137.6 million) of the total invested. The most significant country growth was seen in Germany ($383 million invested, an increase of 217% from 2007) and Israel ($247 million invested, an increase of 224% from 2007), both led by very large solar deals. Germany overtook the UK as the country receiving the most venture capital in 2008, helped significantly by the region’s largest solar deal of 2008, the $133.7 million investment in Berlin-based solar thin-film manufacturer Sulfurcell Solartechnik. The UK’s decline in total investment ($337.8 million, down 11% from 2007) left it second in the country league table, with Israel moving into third place from sixth in 2007. CHINA: In 2008, Chinese cleantech companies raised $430 million in 18 disclosed rounds, up 22% from 2007. China accounted for 5% of the global total. As expected, 2008 witnessed steady gains in clean technology investment in China. Solar accounted for 60% of the total, reflecting the continuing migration of solar module manufacturing from Europe and the US to China, as well as the opportunity of a large domestic market for solar water heating. Other active sectors include agriculture, lighting, and wind. The underlying fundamentals driving cleantech investment in China, including government efficiency targets in energy, water and resource utilization, emission reduction targets, government and corporate goals for cleaner supply chains and industrial operations, and corporate social responsibility goals, remain in place. INDIA: Indian companies raised $277 million in 14 disclosed rounds, down 20% from 2007. India accounted for 3% of the global total. Although 2008 was down from 2007, new investors including Kleiner Perkins and Garage Technology Ventures, as well as corporate investors such as Applied Materials, entered the India clean technology market. The clean technology sector in India remains nascent compared to more mature markets such as North America and Europe. Much of the interest has been in addressing the energy shortage challenges faced by the country, therefore, energy generation and infrastructure, with solar and wind deals leading the way, attracted the majority of investment dollars. However, new sectors received capital, such as electronic waste recycling, energy efficiency and water management. NORTH AMERICA: In 2008, U.S. companies raised $5.8 billion in 241 disclosed rounds, up 56% from 2007. US companies accounted for 68% of the global total. Canadian companies raised $159 million in 14 disclosed rounds, down 58 percent from 2007. TOP INVESTORS: Leading clean technology investors in 2008, as measured by the number of disclosed financing rounds the fund participated in, were: Full-Year 2008 Top Five Most Active Clean Technology Venture Funds Venture Capital Firm # of rounds Khosla Ventures 21 Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers 18 Quercus Trust 16 RockPort Capital Partners 13 Draper Fisher Jurvetson 13 Source: Cleantech Group (cleantech.com) M&As and IPOs: For full-year 2008, clean technology M&A totaled an estimated 163 disclosed transactions, totaling $40.4 billion. Top M&A transactions included: Top 5 Clean Technology M&A Transactions in 2008 Acquiring Company Target Company Amount Type Iberdrola SA Energy East Corp. $4.6 billion Acquisition LBO France Converteam Group SAS $3.1 billion Minority Stake Scottish & Southern Energy Plc. Airtricity Holdings, Ltd. $2.6 billion Acquisition International Power Plc. Trinergy Ltd. $2.5 billion Acquisition Arcapita Honiton Energy Ltd. $2.0 billion Joint Venture Source: Cleantech Group (cleantech.com) In 2008, clean technology public offerings totaled an estimated $5.1 billion in 16 IPOs. Top 5 Clean Technology IPOs in 2008 Company IPO Date Amount Raised Exchange EDP Renovaveis, S.A. 6/4/2008 $2.4 billion NYSE Euronext Lisbon American Water Works Company, Inc. 4/23/2008 $1.2 billion NYSE SMA Solar Technology 6/26/2008 $570 million Frankfurt GT Solar, Inc. 7/24/2008 $500 million NASDAQ Energy Recovery, Inc. 7/2/2008 $69 million NASDAQ Source: Cleantech Group (cleantech.com) The Cleantech Group has issued projections for what the sector may see in 2009. Those predictions are available at http://cleantech.com/about/pressreleases/120408.cfm Key takeaways reviewed in webinar next week The Cleantech Group will review key findings of its 4Q08 and full-year 2008 data in a live webinar January 13, 2009 at 11AM EST / 8AM PST / 16:00 GMT, exclusively for members of the Cleantech Group’s Cleantech Network. Members may join the live meeting athttp://cleantech.acrobat.com/research/ a few minutes before the event begins, and will need their email address and Cleantech Network password to log in. Members unsure of their passwords can contact Cleantech Group at +1 810-224-4310 x.7151 or can retrieve their password at http://cleantech.com/memberpassword.cfm Cleantech Forum® XXI San Francisco February 23-25, 2009 Join Cleantech Group’s 21st Cleantech Forum® in San Francisco February 23-25. Cleantech in 2009: Upside Driver in a Downside Market will bring together over 800 of the industry’s most influential clean technology innovators, investors and policymakers. Visithttp://www.cleantech.com for information and registration. About the Cleantech Group, LLC The Cleantech Group pioneered the clean technology investment category in 2002. Today, it accelerates the development and market adoption of clean technologies globally through membership in the largest global network of investors and companies representing more than $3 trillion in assets. Member investors, growth companies/vendors, enterprises, service providers, and others receive access to capital, investment deal flow, market leading research and data, insight, sales leads, human capital, and promotional opportunities. The Cleantech Group also produces the premier Cleantech Forum events worldwide. Details at http://www.cleantech.com.

Green Festival 2009…it’s all about food!

The 18th Green Festival launches on Saturday 23rd May in Peterborough City Centre where the streets will be bustling with free activities, games and events for the whole family to enjoy. 

This year the Green Festival theme is Food and the City Centre will host three activity packed hubs - grow it, cook it, eat it. Bridge Street will be transformed into a garden where people can plant vegetables and pick up tips from gardening experts. Step into the Cathedral Grounds and you’ll see cooking demonstrations using delicious locally grown produce. There will be games like ‘ready steady lunchbox’, cooking workshops, recipe cards from Riverford Organic Vegetables to take away, and the chance to win pots, pans and other kitchen equipment.

Finally, in Queensgate and Long Causeway you can taste local produce from East Anglia - think watercress soup, cheesy spinach and tomato tart, rhubarb crumble and elderflower Champaign! You’ll be able to meet local farmers and talk to them about why buying local is the best option for your health and your wallet.

The Festival launch will also see Junk Band Green Beats, who regularly play at the Eden Project, perform for Festival goers. The band will be running workshops for the city’s youngsters to learn about making music out of rubbish. There will be fruit tree planting at the Green Backyard on London Road, and the chance to win a garden shed!

Janine Starling from Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) is organising the Green Festival 2009, she says: “The food theme for this year is great because it’s relevant to everyone. The environmental and health benefits of eating locally produced food are no secret.

“People are starting to think about what they are eating and about the carbon emissions involved with flying food in from all over the world that could easily be produced on our doorstep.

“We want to get people growing their own food, buying local produce, eating more fruit and veg, and having fun with it. The Green Festival is all about free family fun for two weeks where people can get involved with nature and their local environment.”

After the launch on 23^rd May people can enjoy two weeks of events and activities around Peterborough from an eco-supermarket sweep at Tesco in Hampton, to an eco-fashion show in Queensgate, bike rides round the Green Wheel, and nature walks for children.

Festival highlights:

 

• Launch event (free, ideal for families), Saturday 23rd May, City Centre.
• Wet and wild at Flag Fen (learn about nature, ideal for families), 24th and 25th May.
• Swishing (posh clothes swap), Tuesday 26th May, Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery.
• Eco-fashion show, Thursday 28th May, Queensgate Shopping Centre.
• Professional bike race, Thursday 4th June, City Centre
• Green Festival finale party hosted by Riverford Organic Vegetables, Sunday 7th June, Sacrewell Farm.

 

Find out more:

Visit www.pect.net to find out more or call Lisa Taylor on 01733 568408. You will be able to pick up your copy of the Green Festival programme at the beginning of April from Tourist Information, Peterborough Museum and your local Library.

Call for Entries: The National eWell Being Awards

Closing date 3 March 2009

Does your organisation have a successful project promoting the environmental and social benefits of ICT? Then why not shout about it and get the recognition your organisation deserves.

The National eWell-Being Awards, launched in 2002, is the UK’s only national awards programme that identifies and promotes the environmental and social benefits of Information and Communication Technologies. The Awards are now entering their 7th year, and since their launch they have earned a high level of awareness and recognition, generating a high level of media interest and coverage and support from a range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations.

The winning entries will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in June 2009. As in past years we will be partne

ring with a national newspaper partner for extensive media coverage of the event and winning entries.

Application is simple and straightforward. Email info@sustainitawards.co.uk and request an application form. For additional information please click here.

All completed forms need be returned to us by 3 March 2009.

There are 9 award categories to choose from:

 

• Better Ways of Working
• Building Community Networks
• SME Innovation Award
• Reaching the Digitally Excluded
• Improving Public Services
• Independent Living
• Environmental Information
• Greening Data Centres
• Smart Buildings

 

Winning an eWell-Being Award can bring real benefits to you and your organisation in providing high profile national recognition and awareness. You can read more about the benefits of winning from past winners at:

www.SustainITawards.co.uk  

Make sure you don’t miss this opportunity to gain important recognition for the great work you are doing in this area.

Tel: 01733 311 644 | info@sustainITawards.co.uk

 

£144m for East of England local authorities with plans for housing growth

Housing Minister Margaret Beckett has today announced that fifteen areas in the East of England will share more than £144m to help deliver their long-term plans to increase house building to meet the needs of their communities.

Despite the current condition of the housing market, the long-term need to build more homes remains - the population is continuing to grow, people are living longer, and there are more single households.

And this money announced today will enable the local authorities with ambitious plans for growth to invest in the essential services that need to accompany the building of new homes, from transport links and schools to the regeneration of town centres and the provision of parks and other green spaces.

Under the Growth Points and Growth Areas schemes over the next two years Cambridgeshire will receive more than £28.7m, Bedford more than £16.2m and Harlow and Stansted more than £14.2m. Other areas to benefit include Peterborough with £13.6m, Norwich with £11.2m and Luton more than £11.1m.

Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said:

“In these difficult economic times we must not lose sight of the long-term need to build more homes. Yet if the support for these new homes is not in place, their construction will be delayed when we need them most, hampering the economy’s recovery. This means we need to be investing today in tomorrow’s infrastructure, while allowing local authorities to decide their own local priorities for spending this money. Today’s announcement delivers on both fronts.

“This money is targeted at those local authorities with the most ambitious growth plans. As well as helping to build the new homes we need, it will ensure we have the support and infrastructure in place so that these homes become part of the existing community, not a burden on their resources.”

Sir Bob Kerslake, chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency said:

“This funding will play a significant part in helping growth areas deliver not only more homes, but the vital infrastructure that is needed to underpin new communities. Through our Single Conversation model we will be working closely with these local authorities to support them, not only in the delivery of growth, but to create a single investment plan that will successfully bring forward local goals in a more integrated way.

“As part of that Single Conversation we will be looking at how the economic downturn might impact on the timing and delivery of growth proposals and how the HCA can assist in maintaining and, where possible, increasing the momentum of growth and renewal programmes locally.”

The £605m Growth Fund will be one of the funding streams managed on behalf of Government by the new Homes and Communities Agency. It is in addition to the £227m already being paid out for the current year, and completes an overall investment package of £832m for these local authorities.

£12m of this will be made available specifically to help some of the growth authorities develop exemplar schemes in response to climate change, specifically supporting the delivery of government targets on carbon reduction, waste reduction and flood mitigation. Such solutions may take the form of site or area-wide proposals that deliver new communities with innovative approaches to providing low carbon energy supply and other environmental technologies that may serve a single site or number of potential development sites. The HCA will support local authorities in bringing forward costed proposals that draw on best practice, and to encourage sharing of expertise and will also advise CLG on the viability and deliverability of successful proposals coming forward. Details for this scheme will be announced next year.

In addition to the investment announced today, we will also soon be announcing which of these local authorities will get a share of £200m to pay for transport improvements through the Community Infrastructure Fund, also managed by the Homes and Communities Agency.

Nationally the Homes and Communities Agency will be working with local authorities to maximise the alignment of funding to area-wide objectives that serve existing and emerging local and regional strategies; and to ensure that projects create the capacity for strategic growth as well as also meeting local needs.

 

 

Motorists will have to drive electric cars for UK to meet climate change targets

Motorists will have to switch to electric cars if Britain is to meet its legally-binding commitment to cut carbon dioxide emissions, a Government report warns.

The Committee on Climate Change will recommend that large numbers of motorists must switch to the greener vehicles by 2025.

The influential Committee, headed by Lord Turner, sets out the major technological advances needed for Britain to meet its commitment of cutting emissions by 80 per cent to halt global warming.

Gordon Brown is a major advocate of electric cars and is likely to welcome the recommendation. He has already called for a million “green collar” jobs to be created in new environmentally-friendly industries. At the G8 summit in Japan last summer, Mr Brown’s wife was photographed test-driving green vehicles.

Today’s report is expected to say that Britain currently generates the equivalent of 10-12 tons of carbon dioxide annually per person - about 700m tons in total. This must be cut to two tons per person annually by 2050 - about 12 pounds per person each day.

However, a typical family car uses the total daily allowance driving just 25 miles. Therefore, it is not seen as feasible to meet the new targets without largely abandoning the internal combustion engine.

Last month, Professor Julia King, a Government adviser and member of the Climate Change committee, said: “In the long term, C02-free road transport fuel is the only way to decarbonise road transport. That means electric vehicles, with novel batteries charged by zero-carbon electricity or hydrogen produced from zero-carbon electricity”.

The Government is believed to favour so-called “plug-in hybrids” which run on electricity but also have small internal combustion engines.

Lord Turner’s report, called Building a Low Carbon Economy, will set out a series of five year “carbon budgets” to cover the period until 2022. These will set out how much carbon the country must cut in each period and the technological methods that will be required to achieve the reductions. Whitehall is set to lead the way with each minister given a target to reduce carbon emissions in their department.

The report is also expected to recommend a big increase in carbon capture - technology which stores carbon dioxide emitted from the burning of coal and gas by power stations.

The Government has already cut road taxes on electric cars sharply. However, Mr Brown has met widespread protests when attempting to increase taxes on so-called gas guzzlers and petrol. The Treasury recently watered-down plans to double the tax on some polluting family cars.

Photo courtesy of www.greenfleet.net