Dimetyleter och etanol som biodrivmedel för tunga fordon i Sverige - En intervju- och litteraturstudie över Volvo och Scanias motorplattformar

Sammanfattning: There are a number of existing and new biofuels on the Swedish market. These operate differently and need to be managed in different ways. In order to solve problems associated with the transport sector's large and unsustainable energy consumption and emissions of CO2, it is important to study how biofuels can work in practice and gain a broad knowledge of prerequisites for their mainstream market emergence. This study examines drivers and barriers for the implementation of two biofuels in Sweden: Dimethylether and ethanol. A literature review and interviews with actors at Volvo Group and Scania provide information for the study. The analysis also reflects upon Volvos and Scanias engine technology and emergent strategies for biofuels. Empirical data was analyzed utilizing insights and structure provided by path dependency theory. The study is important in that it highlights a number of challenges facing the widespread implementation of biofuels in heavy goods transport in Sweden from a new perspective – that of the users. While informants stress the importance of the shift from non-renewable fuels to renewable fuels is vital for the transport sector’s carbon footprint reductions, the study shows how engine platforms developed for biofuels must also deliver low pollutant emissions and high motive performance while remaining extremely closely related to mainstream diesel-fueled engines. The current market and political structures do not allow substantial divergence from mainstream engines – a situation that in some instances constrains technical development. The study also shows that both Volvo and Scania have developed their engine platforms and biofuel strategies in markedly path dependent ways – and that company-specific lock-in effects have arisen. The study concludes that major barriers for optimal engine development matched to biofuels development are found in a general lack of long-term thinking and stability in political circles. The substantial level of volatility in policy slows and inhibits the development of both fuel and engines. While collaboration between actors is a driving force for the development of biofuels and engines that can use them.