The Prototype Affordable Zero-Carbon Small Car Has Just Been Designed
The Wrightbus Ultroliner EU6, is their latest diesel bus.
The product page has this sub-heading.
A Choice Of The
UK’s Most Efficient
Diesel Buses
Two paragraphs give full details of the bus.
The StreetDeck Ultroliner EU6 is available with two ultra low emission efficient diesel engine choices: the new Cummins 6.7 litre 6 cylinder and the current Mercedes 5.1 litre 4 cylinder engine. Our StreetDeck EU6 Ultroliner and its engine choices remains the UK’s favourite. All these buses can be repowered at mid-life to zero-emission BEV technology with NewPower.
The new Cummins ISB6.7 litre six-cylinder diesel engine, married with the latest Voith DIWA.8 NXT 7-speed transmission. Two power options are available: 250Hp / 187Kw, 1000Nm and 300Hp / 224Kw, 1200Nm. With a large 245L fuel tank, this StreetDeck is ready to go the distance, wherever the journey takes it. Its MH3 technology helps lower fuel consumption during frequent stops on busy roads and improves the overall footprint and ride quality. Where ultra clean diesel buses are seen as the only option at this time, there is no better bus than the low emission StreetDeck Ultroliner range.
So you get a modern bus, that can be converted to zero-carbon at an appropriate time.
But nothing is said about conversion to hydrogen, which I believe is the ideal fuel for a large vehicle.
So I asked Google AI, if a Wrightbus Ultroliner can be converted to hydrogen-power, and received this answer.
Yes, the Wrightbus StreetDeck Ultroliner EU6 can be converted to hydrogen power. Wrightbus has engineered the diesel StreetDeck Ultroliner platform to be forward-looking, allowing operators to retrofit these vehicles mid-life with Cummins hydrogen internal combustion engines.
Here are the key details regarding this conversion and technology:
Adaptable Design: The StreetDeck Ultroliner was specifically designed to bridge the gap between traditional diesel and zero-emission options, making it possible to switch to hydrogen or battery-electric powertrains later in the vehicle’s life.
Hydrogen Internal Combustion: Instead of a fuel cell, this retrofit converts the diesel engine to run on hydrogen gas, providing a cost-effective route to zero emissions for existing operators.
Shared Platform: The diesel Ultroliner shares a similar “feel and features” with the purpose-built zero-emission Hydroliner (Hydrogen Fuel Cell) and Electroliner (Battery) buses, making the structural integration of alternative systems more straightforward.
Alternative Conversion Options: Third-party companies, such as Equipmake, specialize in “repowering” Wrightbus StreetDeck models to zero-emission, offering to convert diesel vehicles to electric in a short time frame, although the primary official pathway mentioned by Wrightbus for the Ultroliner is hydrogen-combustion.
The Wrightbus StreetDeck Hydroliner FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) was the world’s first production hydrogen double-decker bus, providing proven technology in cities like Aberdeen, Belfast, and London.
Note.
- The original Cummins diesel engine is converted to hydrogen fuel.
- In Cummins Fuel-Agnostic X Series Platform, I show a Cummins video, which explains their philosophy of convertible engines with trucks.
- Conversion to natural gas is also possible.
- It would appear that the Cummins ISB in the Ultroliner has a hydrogen version, that can be created by changing the fuel system and the cylinder head.
I wouldn’t be surprised, if Cummins told me, that they could make a convertible diesel, that could power a small hatchback.
Out of curiosity, I asked Google AI, “What is the power of a diesel Mini” and received this answer.
The power of a diesel Mini depends on the model (One D, Cooper D, or Cooper SD) and the generation, with power outputs ranging from approximately 88 bhp to 170 bhp. Diesel Minis are known for high torque and excellent fuel economy rather than just top-end speed.
Here is a breakdown of the power figures:
1. MINI Cooper SD (2.0L Diesel)
Power: Typically 143 bhp (105 kW) to 170 bhp (125 kW).
Torque: 305 Nm to 360 Nm (225–265 lb-ft).
Performance: The 170 hp 2.0-litre diesel in the 2015-2018 range is often called a “diesel hot hatch,” featuring a 0-62 mph time of around 7.3 seconds.
2. MINI Cooper D (1.5L – 1.6L Diesel)
Power: Usually between 110 bhp and 116 bhp.
Torque: 270 Nm (199 lb-ft).
Performance: Offers a good balance of fuel economy and punch, with a 0-60 mph time of around 9.4–9.7 seconds.
3. MINI One D (1.4L – 1.5L Diesel)
Power: Approximately 75 bhp to 95 bhp.
Performance: Designed for maximum fuel efficiency and lower tax bands, with lower power output compared to the Cooper models.
Key Takeaways:
Most Powerful: The 2.0L Cooper SD is the most powerful, often producing up to 170 hp.
Torque: Diesel Minis often have high torque at low revs (around 1750rpm), making them quick for overtaking and city driving.
Generation Differences: Older R56 models (2007-2014) often have 1.6L diesel engines, while newer F56 models (2014-2024) use 1.5L or 2.0L engines.
Reliability: These engines are BMW-sourced (N47 or B37/B47) and generally considered reliable.
As there are large numbers of companies around the world, who claim they can convert cars and other vehicles, and engines to hydrogen power.
Out of curiosity, I asked Google AI, “Has Anybody Built A Hydrogen-Powered Mini” and received this answer.
Yes, BMW built a hydrogen-powered MINI Cooper prototype in 2001.
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001, this car was not a fuel-cell vehicle, but rather a hydrogen-burning internal combustion engine car.
Key details about the 2001 MINI Cooper Hydrogen:
Engine: It used a modified version of the MINI’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine designed to run on hydrogen.
Technology: It was unique because it used cryogenic liquid hydrogen and injected it while super-cooled, which increased engine efficiency and performance, setting it apart from other hydrogen experiments at the time.
Packaging: Engineers managed to place the contoured hydrogen tank under the rear seats, meaning it did not sacrifice cabin or cargo space compared to a standard Mini.
Legacy: While not mass-produced, it was a significant prototype in BMW’s long-standing research into hydrogen technology.
Other Hydrogen “Mini” Projects:
Mini Mirai RC Car: Toyota and Tamiya built a 1/10th scale hydrogen-fuelled remote-controlled car in 2021. It used a small fuel cell and hydrogen canisters to run for twice the duration of a conventional battery-powered RC car.
Small Engines: Israeli firm Aquarius Engines has developed a 10kg hydrogen-powered engine intended for use as a range extender, which has passed independent testing.
Conclusion
I believe that in the next few years, a serious manufacturer will release a diesel car that can be converted to hydrogen power.
Eventually, this will mean that government can withdraw fossil fuels for road vehicles.
My Regular Ready Meals
These are the Marks & Spencer Ready Meals for one, that I regularly buy.
How Much B12 In An M&S Chicken Breast In Cheese & Ham Sauce For One?
How Much B12 In An M & S Chicken Jalfrezi With Basmati Rice For One?
How Much B12 In An M & S Lamb Hot Pot For One?
How Much B12 In An M & S Liver And Bacon For One?
Note.
In each of the linked posts, gives a B12 analysis from Google AI for each meal.
How Much B12 In An M & S Lamb Hot Pot For One?
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
Based on typical nutritional values for lamb-based ready meals, a 400g–450g M&S Lamb Hot Pot for One is likely to provide a significant portion of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12, estimated to be well over 1.5–2 micrograms (g) per serving.
Lamb Content: The M&S Lamb Hot Pot contains approximately 21% cooked lamb.
B12 Density: Cooked lamb generally provides around 2–3 micrograms (g) of Vitamin B12 per 100g of meat.
Total Content: In a 450g meal containing roughly 90-100g of lamb, the B12 content is likely to fall within a range that comfortably covers or exceeds 50% of the daily adult requirement (which is 2.4g in the US and 1.5g in the UK).
The meal also provides roughly 25-29g of protein per pack.
As I would have expected, this ready meal is a good source of B12.
Travelling Between Heathrow Airport And Staines Station
Staines Station and Heathrow Airport are not far apart, as this OpenRailwayMap shows.
Note.
- The mauve lines in the bottom half of the map are South West Trains services out of Waterloo.
- Waterloo via Feltham, Twickenham and Richmond to name but three stations , is to the East.
- Reading is to the South-West
- Windsor is to the North-West.
- The blue arrow indicates Staines station.
- Heathrow Terminal 5 is in the North-East corner of the map.
- The pink tracks are the Piccadilly Lines
- The red tracks are for the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express.
- This OpenRailwayMap shows Terminal 5 to a larger scale.
Note.
- The pink tracks are the Piccadilly Line.
- The red tracks are for the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express.
- In front of the red tracks is what looks like a circular walkway or emergency exit, with a rectangular block to its West.
- The rectangular block is the lift tower to get from the railway station to the Departures and Arrivals floors of Terminal 5.
I asked Google AI if it would it be possible in the future to extend the Elizabeth Line to the West out of the Western end of Terminal 5 and received this reply.
Extending the Elizabeth line west from Terminal 5 is technically possible and has been proposed, notably as part of a potential westward rail link to Staines or to support airport expansion, but it is not currently funded. Terminal 5 was designed with future expansion in mind, potentially allowing a connection to Staines to create a “southern rail link” for better connections.
Perhaps there are two tunnels under the lift shafts?
How many trains per hour (tph) terminate in those two platforms?
- 4 tph – Heathrow Express
- 2 tph – Elizabeth Line to Shenfield.
Note.
- Only six trains in two platforms is easily managed.
- Because, Heathrow Express services appear to use both platforms, when I visited yesterday, the system seems to confuse passengers.
- The services surely need to be evened up, so that there are four tph of each service, with each service having a dedicated platform.
- But terminating eight trains in two platforms could be troublesome.
- Platforms are numbered 1 to 6 from the South.
- Platforms 1 and 2 have not been built yet.
Although four tph for Heathrow Express in one platform, should be easy with digital signalling, as you see it every day in London, it may be difficult on two platforms, at the same time.
In Is More Capacity Between Heathrow Airport And Central London, Needed On The Elizabeth Line?, I said this.
Currently, the Elizabeth line provides up to 12 trains per hour (including Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express) on the relief lines, making it nearly at capacity.
Note.
- When I use the Elizabeth Line, I deliberately avoid trains going to and from Heathrow, unless I’m going that way, as they are too crowded with passengers and their oversized cases.
- High Speed Two, the West London Orbital Railway and the North London Line will bring passengers for Heathrow Airport to Old Oak Common station.
- Surely, as Heathrow Airport gets bigger and increases its passenger numbers. the Elizabeth Line will need to be increased in capacity.
I believe Elizabeth Line capacity needs to be increased soon.
The only feasible plan I’ve seen is Heathrow Southern Railways plan, which included.
- Construction of a bay platform 0 at Staines alongside the Staines to Windsor line.
- A step-free bridge across the tracks.
- Construction of a single-track railway with 25 KVAC overhead electrification and a passing looop, between the new platform 0 at Staines and Platform 3 at Heathrow Terminal 5 station.
- Run four trains per hour in both directions between Heathrow Terminal 5 and Staines stations.
- This plan would would add two trains per hour through the Central Tunnel.
Various Journeys Would Be As Follows
This OpenRailwayMap shows Staines junction and the positions of the three platforms.
Note.
- The Windsor Line goes North-West.
- The Reading Line goes West.
- The Waterloo Line Goes East.
- Platform 1 is on the North side of the tracks.
- Platform 2 is on the South side of the tracks.
- The bay platform, which I’ve numbered 0, will be on the North side of the tracks towards Windsor.
- I suspect the step-free bridge will be over the tracks and replace the current rickety structure.
- The bridge would be a short walk from all three platforms.
Interchanges would be as follows.
- Windsor to Heathrow – Walk between Platforms 1 and 0.
- Reading to Heathrow – Walk between Platforms 1 and 0.
- Heathrow to Windsor – Cross the bridge between Platforms 0 and 2.
- Heathrow to Reading – Cross the bridge between Platforms 0 and 2.
- Waterloo to Heathrow – Cross the bridge between Platforms 2 and 0.
- Heathrow to Waterloo – Walk between Platforms 0 and 1.
Note.
- All trains to or from Heathrow use Platform 0.
- All trains to Waterloo use Platform 1.
- All trains going away from Waterloo use Platform 2.
- Reading and Heathrow gain a step-free route at 2 tph.
- All interchanges at Staines station would be step-free.
- A train like London Crosslink, which used to go between Feltham and Woking, would use Platform 1 going towards Feltham and Platform 2 going towards Woking.
Staines station would gain step-free access to all Heathrow terminals, all Elizabeth Line and High Speed Two stations.
Could Anglia Railways’ London Crosslink Be Recreated As Part Of The London Overground?
I like the idea of the London Crosslink service, that ran for a few years between East Anglia and Hampshire via the North London Line and Staines.
My arguments for its restoration are described in Could Anglia Railways’ London Crosslink Be Recreated As Part Of The London Overground?
At various times in my life, it would have been very useful.
Today, as I live about fifteen minutes from Highbury and Islington station, I could use London Crosslink for the following reasons.
- Visiting friends and family in Hampshire.
- Going to Heathrow Airport, especially Terminal 5.
- Visiting friends in East Anglia.
- Going to football at Ipswich.
- Exploring new parts of England.
- I would wait at home and time my departure to catch a booked train at a fully step-free station.
Conclusions
Extending the Elizabeth Line to Staines gives these advantages.
- Staff at Heathrow, who live in the Staines area get easy access to the airport.
- Buses and coaches between Heathrow and the local area may be reviewed.
- Less cars will be used to get to and from the airport.
- Reading and Heathrow gain a step-free route at 2 tph.
- A lot of stations would gain a step-free route to all terminals at Heathrow, and all Elizabeth Line and High Speed Two stations.
There may well be other advantages.
Welsh Government Backs Marine Power Systems’ Floating Wind Tech With GBP 8 Million
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
The Welsh government has invested GBP 8 million (approximately EUR 9.4 million) in Marine Power Systems (MPS) to support the commercialisation of its floating offshore wind technology.
These three paragraphs add more detail to the story.
According to the company, the funding will accelerate the deployment of its PelaFlex platform, a floating wind solution designed for deep-water sites where conventional fixed-bottom foundations are not viable.
Marine Power Systems said the investment will help move the technology from advanced development towards commercial-scale deployment and manufacturing. The company also plans to expand its industrial and assembly capabilities in the UK.
The PelaFlex platform has been designed to simplify fabrication, installation and long-term operations while enabling wind farms to be located further offshore where wind speeds are typically stronger and more consistent, MPS says.
The offshore wind industry in Wales seems to be gearing up for a big expansion.
Gwynt Glas is the collective name for the three 1.5 GW floating wind farms in the Western Approaches and in Gwynt Glas And South Wales Ports Combine Strength In Preparation For Multi-Billion Floating Wind Industry, I describe the initial agreement that started the Gwynt Glas project.
To my mind, Associated British Ports and the wind farm developers are making sure they can carpet the Western Approaches, with offshore wind farms.
In Ocean Winds Enters Lease Agreement With Crown Estate For 1.5 GW Celtic Sea Floating Wind Project, I talk in general about the progress of the first three 1.5 GW floating wind farms in Gwynt Glas and in particular about leasing of the third wind farm.
These two posts, indicate that the Port of Port Talbot is preparing itself to produce the floaters for floating wind turbines.
- BW Ideol, ABP To Explore Serial Production Of Floating Wind Foundations At Port Talbot
- Two Ports Advance To Next Stage Of UK Gov Funding For Floating Wind
It certainly appears, that South Wales will be able to build the heavyweight gubbins for floating offshore wind.
According to Was South Wales Once The World’s Largest Coal Exporter? it was, and in 1913, the region produced 57 million tons of coal, with more than half exported.
It does look like South Wales is going to repeat the economic success with offshore energy.
I’ve heard tales from elderly Welshmen talking of the coal ships in the docks of South Wales and will we be seeing gas tankers in the docks of South Wales?
Was South Wales Once The World’s Largest Coal Exporter?
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
Yes, South Wales was once the world’s largest coal-exporting region and home to the busiest coal-exporting ports in the world. During its peak in 1913, the South Wales coalfield supplied almost one-third of total global coal exports, with Cardiff and Barry leading the world as the top coal ports.
Key details regarding the coal boom in South Wales:
Peak Production: In 1913, the region produced 57 million tons of coal, with more than half exported.
Top Export Ports: In 1913, Barry was recognized as the world’s largest coal-exporting port, closely followed by Cardiff.
The “Coal Metropolis”: Cardiff became the world’s leading coal and shipping metropolis, with the Cardiff Coal Exchange setting the global price for steam coal.
Economic Impact: The boom drove massive population growth in the South Wales Valleys and created tremendous wealth for cities like Cardiff, Barry, and Newport.
Global Demand: Welsh coal was highly sought after for its high quality, fueling steamships, railways, and industries across the world, from Russia to South America.
By 1920, the industry employed over 270,000 miners, but it saw a steep decline thereafter due to economic depression, international competition, and the exhaustion of accessible reserves.
How Much B12 In An M & S Liver And Bacon For One?
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
An M&S Lamb’s Liver and Bacon meal (typically 450g for one) is an exceptionally high source of Vitamin B12 due to the high concentration in liver, likely providing well over 100 µg (micrograms) of B12 per pack.
Key Facts Regarding B12 in M&S Liver and Bacon:
Liver Density: Lamb’s liver contains roughly 85–90 micrograms of Vitamin B12 per 100g.
Component Breakdown: The 450g meal contains approximately 16% liver (approx. 72g of liver).
Total Content Estimate: Based on the 72g of liver, a single 450g meal likely contains roughly 60–70 µg of Vitamin B12, which is over 2,000% of the daily recommended intake.
Additional Sources: The bacon and gravy also contribute to this total.
The UK Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for adults is 1.5 micrograms daily, making this meal a significant source.
As I would have expected, this ready meal is a good source of B12.
NextEnergy Solar Fund To Shift To Energy Storage And Divest Solar in Strategic Overhaul
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on the Solar Power Portal.
This is the sub-heading.
As part of the reset, NextEnergy said it will increase its energy storage exposure up to 30% of its gross asset value, a significant increase on its current rate of 10%.
These two paragraphs give more of their reasoning.
NextEnergy Solar Fund has completed a “strategic reset” of its investment strategy which will see it focus on energy storage assets and increase project sales.
As part of the reset, NextEnergy said it will increase its energy storage exposure up to 30% of its gross asset value, a significant increase on its current rate of 10%. The company said the shift would “enhance the Company’s existing stable revenues generated by its operational solar assets and support future revenues”.
In Is Sumitomo Heavy Industries Highview Power Energy Storage System On Line At Hiroshima?, I describe a power supply system developed by Sumitomo Heavy Industries to supply a stable 5 MW to a LNG Terminal, using these components.
- A Cold Source
- Solar Panels
- A 5 MW/20 MWh Highview Power liquid-air CRYObattery.
Do Sumitomo Heavy Industries believe that a combination of energy and/or battery sources working together gives the quality of stable power, that is needed by today’s modern factories, facilities and buildings?
As a Graduate Control Engineer, I very much believe stable power supplies are a good thing and Sumitomo Heavy Industries obviously feel that Highview Power’s liquid air CRYObatteries are a good way to provide them.
The adding of a battery into a solar-powered renewable power supply, would surely, increase the amount of batteries that NextEnergy were financing.
How Much B12 In An M & S Chicken Jalfrezi With Basmati Rice For One?
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
Based on typical nutritional data for similar prepared chicken and rice meals, a 400g serving of M&S Chicken Jalfrezi with Basmati Rice likely contains a significant portion of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12, largely derived from the chicken breast.
Protein Content: The 400g meal generally provides approximately 32.8g of protein.
Estimated B12: As a rich source of animal protein, 100g of chicken typically provides a significant portion of daily B12. While specific B12 figures for this exact M&S product are not explicitly listed in the search results, similar chicken curry meals provide roughly 0.5–1.0 µg or more per 100g, suggesting a 400g pack could meet or exceed the typical daily adult requirement (around 1.5–2.4 µg).
Nutritional Summary for M&S Chicken Jalfrezi with Rice (400g):
Protein: ~32.8g
Calories: ~372–544 kcal
Fat: ~6.8g–20g
Carbs: ~45.2g–56.4g
The dish contains marinated chargrilled chicken breast, red peppers, and basmati rice.
Five New Railway Stations To Open Over Next Month
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
Opening dates have been announced for five new railway stations in the West Midlands following a £185m project to reinstate links not used in decades.
These two paragraphs add more details.
On the Black Country line, new stations for Willenhall and Darlaston open on 19 March. The sites were last visited by trains in 1965.
On 7 April, Camp Hill Line stations Moseley Village, Kings Heath, and Pineapple Road open, allowing locals access to neighbourhood services for the first time since World War Two.
I shall go up, some time on or after the 7th and see all five stations.
The Anonymous Widower 