Global resource management company, Veolia, is to trial innovative electric Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCV) charged by power derived from the waste they have collected. The project in Sheffield will see two 26 tonne RCV converted from diesel to electric power in a scheme to accelerate the transition to zero-emission heavy goods vehicles. In the future, these vehicles are set to be charged using the electricity generated from the non-recyclable household waste that fuels the city’s Energy Recovery Facility, a world first.

Converting the RCV, which need replacing, is an effective way of extending the life of an existing vehicle by changing the diesel engine for electric power. The project is backed by a grant from the Innovation Funding Service (Innovate UK) which will enable two repowered RCV to be trialled over the next two years. The lorries will be powerful enough to negotiate 25 percent gradients on hills even when fully loaded, and are expected to be converted and operational by the end of the year. The project will also convert an additional two RCV that will be used in trials in London.

Veolia UK _ Sheffield ERF
Green power will come from the Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) in Sheffield

Demonstrating Veolia’s commitment to reduce emissions this latest move to decarbonise vehicles follows the recent introduction of zero-emission electric street sweeping vehicles, another first for the UK. The five new electric sweepers will save 78 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the environment each year which is the equivalent to removing 33 passenger cars from the road.

The company has also introduced electric powered eco-vans to hospital contracts in Liverpool and Southport to make hospital day-to-day work more environmentally friendly. These are recharged using the low carbon electricity generated by the hospital combined heat and power (CHP) plants managed by Veolia. Other low emission compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles operate in Camden, where they carry out graffiti removal, and these vehicles refuel from Veolia’s brand new compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling station.

This project highlights Veolia’s strong commitment to clean air initiatives as we look to improve the environment in our cities. By working closely with our customers to deliver fleet solutions that lower emissions we help them ensure they deliver real value for money, and limit costs for local tax payers. By recharging the vehicles from the Energy Recovery Facility this approach also show how local authorities and the public sector can drive sustainability and use green energy to address their environmental challenges.
GARY CLARK
UK FLEET DIRECTOR