Thanet councillors are set to consider a proposal to switch the council’s preferred vehicle fuel from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in a bid to reduce fleet emissions.
A council report estimates that using HVO will result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of up to 94% when compared to standard diesel.
The fleet currently accounts for over 40% of Thanet District Council’s emissions.
The report predicts that the change will cost an additional £39,000 per annum, increasing to £120,000 when compared to diesel.
The council plans to offset the extra costs by purchasing less expensive combustion-engine vehicles instead of electric alternatives.
Cllr Steve Albon, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Coastal Services, said: ‘The opportunity to consider this move is very welcome. Should we proceed we’ll be taking a significant step towards the council’s 2030 net-zero target.’
The report will be considered on Tuesday 15 July at a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (OSP).
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