Transitioning from Red to White Diesel

Date: 07/02/22

The case for solar just got stronger

National solar power generator company, Think Hire, have always been advocates of the cost and environmental benefits of using renewable energy on construction sites. Real life case studies have proved the case that solar power can not only cut the cost of traditional fuels, but also reduce harmful emissions such as CO₂ and N₂O.

Now, with new regulations prohibiting the use of red diesel on constructions sites, the case for solar just got even stronger.

Red diesel regulations

From the 1st April, construction companies will no longer be able to use heavily rebated red diesel to power vehicles, plant and generators on site. This is part of the Government’s drive to make the UK net carbon zero by 2050. By making diesel more expensive to use, policymakers hope to encourage the construction industry to switch to more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Think Hire’s managing director, Neil Richardson, is fully behind this bold Government initiative. “We all have a part to play in reducing our carbon footprint to fight climate change,” he explained. “Think Hire’s solar generators and solar hybrid generators are perfectly placed to fill this role, offering clean, reliable, renewable energy for the construction industry.”

Switch now to avoid rising costs

The new regulations will significantly increase operating costs for many companies. Compared to red diesel, white diesel attracts an extra 46p per litre in fuel duty. What’s more, white diesel attracts full rate VAT, at 20%, compared to red diesel which is taxed at just 5%. Fortunately, there is an alternative.

Think Hire clients have already reported significant cost savings by introducing a solar power generator on constructions sites. Bam Nuttall and CR Civils saw costs cut by 35% and 27% respectively, while A-One+ saw an 89% reduction in diesel use, saving over £15,000. It is worth noting that these impressive savings were achieved when compared to the cost of heavily rebated red diesel. Using white diesel on construction sites will make the cost comparisons even more attractive.

Dependable solar power

Understandably, many in the industry are sceptical about the solar power generator, especially given the UK’s less than sunny climate. However, the truth is that modern solar cells are more efficient, and more dependable, than ever before.

For example, Think Hire’s solar tower lights can provide eight hours of fuel-free lighting five days a week in winter and seven days a week in spring, summer and autumn. Meanwhile, the convenient, flexible Solartainer can power a whole site, combining the peace of mind of a diesel back-up generator with up to 500% fuel savings.

Rising to the challenge

Neil Richardson and his team anticipate a big rise in orders as the impact of the fuel duty changes starts to hit home on site. “This is a sea-change moment in how we plan and run the UK’s construction sites,” he says. “The days of noisy generators and filthy equipment belching black smoke into the air are numbered. It is time for our construction industry to start building a better future for us all.”

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