Volvo Group contributes to carbon-neutral airports

Volvo Group contributes to carbon-neutral airports

In partnership with Schmidt and Swedavia, the Volvo Group is
participating in a field test to trial the world's first biogas-fueled
snow sweeper. The vehicle is equipped with two nine-liter Volvo engines
fueled by biogas combined with conventional diesel, which may ultimately
be replaced by biodiesel, enabling entirely carbon-neutral driving.

The state-owned company Swedavia aims to make all of its 14 airports in
Sweden carbon-neutral in terms of upkeep and maintenance. Daily
operations involve the deployment of an extensive fleet of machinery
comprising Volvo products featuring customized equipment, including snow
removal machines that keep the runways clear of snow.

 In partnership with the German customer Schmidt, the Volvo Group has
developed a snow sweeper that uses Volvo engines fueled by a mixture of
compressed methane and diesel.

 “We have combined the superior efficiency of a diesel engine with the
advantages of biogas. This has resulted in an engine that is
significantly more energy-efficient than traditional gas-powered engines
in which the biogas combusts in an Otto cycle,” says Inge Horkeby,
Director Environmental Affairs AB Volvo.

 The test vehicle's cab unit is the front section of an A25E articulated
hauler from Volvo Construction Equipment, equipped with a nine-liter
diesel engine converted to gas. In the rear section a similar engine
from Volvo Penta is used to power a roller brush and a snow-blower unit
that expels the remaining snow at a speed of 130 m/s. While the Volvo
Group already has trucks and buses that are powered by biogas, this is
the first time that Volvo CE and Volvo Penta are showcasing a product
equipped with biogas-powered engines.

Today, the snow sweeper will be handed over to Swedavia at Arlanda
Airport Stockholm and shortly thereafter be transported to Kiruna
Airport where field tests will be conducted. The vehicle will initially
be powered by at least 50% biogas combined with conventional diesel.
This can ultimately be replaced by biodiesel without making any
technical adjustments, which would make the vehicle entirely
carbon-neutral. During the trial period, Volvo will participate in the
measurement and review of results.

 December 9, 2010

Journalists who would like further information, please contact Rolf
Willkrans, Public Affairs AB Volvo +46 (0)31 661145 or +46 (0)705 671145
or Carl Gärdén, Media Relations AB Volvo +46 (0)31 661155 or +46 (0)733
898777

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