Does public transport in Greater Manchester use renewable energy resources?
Diesel buses and trains currently use fossil fuel. There is potential for buses to use hybrid engines which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. Other lower carbon transport technology options are currently technologically and commercially immature, but substantial progress is expected in the longer term. For this to succeed as a carbon reduction strategy for decarbonisation of the energy supply mix is necessary. For both batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, clean road transport will be dependent on clean power. In July 2007, Metrolink became the first tram network in the UK where traction current is supplied entirely through green energy – specifically large scale hydropower, The rail industry currently has no plans to buy renewable electricity for electric trains (responsibility of Network Rail), or Biofuels for diesel trains (responsibility of individual operators).
