Fulton Hogan and Biodiesel New Zealand begin fleet trial of Biogold™ fuel

13 July 2011

Fulton Hogan is to test Biogold™ biodiesel across its vehicle fleet, delivering a major vote of confidence in the renewable fuel and supporting Biodiesel New Zealand as it continues to expand.

The companies today launched the first stage of a programme which could eventually result in Fulton Hogan running the majority of its New Zealand fleet and mobile power plant on a range of Biogold™ blends. Trials begin with Christchurch-based diesel vehicles and plant, using an NZ10 blend (10% Biogold™ mixed with 90% mineral diesel) for three months. The test machinery – a representative mix of light and heavy trucks, utilities and cars – will then be supplied with Biogold NZ20 biodiesel for another three months. All going to plan, the companies will then work together to gradually move the designated New Zealand Fulton Hogan fleet and diesel-powered plant to Biogold NZ20 and higher blends.

In May, the companies agreed to work together to develop a fuel storage and distribution centre at Nelson to supply upper South Island customers with both a Biogold™ NZ20 blend and Biogold™ NZ100 pure biodiesel. The fuel is delivered to customers direct or via Allied Petroleum and Minitankers.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with Fulton Hogan on this trial,” Biodiesel New Zealand General Manager, Andrew Simcock, says. “They are a very well respected New Zealand company with branches throughout Australasia and their support is another very strong vote of confidence in our proposition – a New Zealand-made product helping the country to be more self-sufficient and meeting people’s expectations about reduced environmental impact.

“Our business growth means the large restaurants and food processors have a strong local end use for their waste vegetable oil and means an increasing number of the country’s cropping farmers have another cash-generating break crop they can grow in those years when paddocks have to be spelled from cereals,” he says. “As well as the income, businesses in both these sectors see value in being associated with a locally made renewable fuel which is helping reduce our reliance on imported mineral fuel and making a difference in terms of carbon emissions.”

Attending today’s launch are Fulton Hogan Chief Operating Officer Bob Fulton, Southern General Manager Steve Grave, Biodiesel New Zealand General Manager Andrew Simcock and Solid Energy General Manager Renewable Energy Andy Matheson. ends

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