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The crew of Earthrace, the world's fastest,
coolest and greenest powerboat, has welcomed the introduction
by the UK government of the Renewable Transport Fuels
Obligation - describing it as a valuable step in the right
direction for the UK energy market. |
Earthrace is an incredible 78ft wave-piercing trimaran that
runs exclusively on biodiesel and has a net zero carbon footprint
- making it one of the world's most environmentally-friendly
powerboats, while not skimping on design or performance (Click
Here). The project kicks-off on 27 April when Earthrace
begins its round-the-world speed record attempt from Sagunto,
Spain.
"The widespread availability of plant-based fuel at petrol
stations across the UK paves the way for real progress for
sustainable transport energy" - says skipper Pete Bethune.
"Earthrace runs entirely on biofuel and still manages to look
stunning and travel at an efficient speed for its purpose
- if we can build a boat like this, imagine what the future
holds for cars.
"However, biofuel must not be accepted as a panacea for transport
energy. It is a step in the right direction, but it doesn't
take away the need to develop other renewable alternatives.
In the five years since we started the Earthrace project,
the industry has changed considerably.
"Many countries are developing industries based on palm oil
- currently the cheapest feedstock - while kidding themselves
it is good for the environment. The UK must invest money in
producing biofuel from waste products or dedicated energy
crops. On the whole, energy crops have a positive social impact
on areas where they are produced - but, in the long term,
the government must ensure local feedstock gets developed,
rather than relying on imports. 'Splash and dash' is
not the answer."
From Sagunto, Bethune and his crew will head across the Atlantic,
Pacific and Indian oceans as they speed around the planet's
circumference at a maximum speed of 40 knots.
For more information - Click
Here
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