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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is transitioning its fleet from diesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as part of its 'Path to Net Zero' initiative. The decision was made in a confidential session, with costs to ratepayers undisclosed.

HVO, a more expensive alternative to diesel, requires no engine modifications and can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. The council's vehicle replacement program, involving 77 vehicles, has an estimated cost of £7.4 million. Currently, HVO must be imported as there is no large-scale production in Northern Ireland.