Interest in renewable energy courses could be stoked by ambulance trial

The use of methanol fuel cells in a number of Yorkshire ambulances may encourage more interest in renewable energy courses.

Speaking to Business Green, environmental and sustainability manager at the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust Alexis Leech explained that such vehicles will often have to keep their engines on for extended periods of time to charge equipment.

But the health authority has decided to try to cut petrol costs by installing the cells, which could save 12 kilograms of CO2 for every five hours ambulances are on 'tick over'.

If the pilot initiative is successful, the system could be introduced across the board in the region and may inspire more interest in renewable energy courses and their benefits.

"We have rapid-response vehicles situated in strategic places around the region at certain times, which help us respond to Category A or life-threatening incidents within eight minutes," Ms Leech was quoted as saying.

Last month, the government released statistics showing its fast-track patent service for environmentally-friendly innovations has processed 329 cases since being introduced in May 2009.

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