An engaged audience learned recently how Alabama Power is a driving force when it comes to using more environmentally friendly bio fuels to keep its fleet vehicles running smoothly with fewer emissions.

Danny Kings, an engineer in the company’s Fleet Services group, was the special guest at January’s “Science Café” sponsored by the McWane Science Center in Birmingham. The periodic gatherings, free to the public, bring together local scientists, researchers and others who want to learn more about interesting science and technology projects underway in Alabama and elsewhere.

Brandon Partridge adds B20 biodiesel fuel to a hybrid truck in Alabama Power’s fleet

The topic for January – sustainable transportation – was tailor-made for Kings, who has been working for years to help make Alabama Power’s vehicle fleet more efficient while reducing its impact on the environment. The event took place at John’s City Diner in downtown Birmingham.

Kings spoke about the company’s use of soybean-based bio-diesel, which produces less particulate pollution and fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuel. There’s even a benefit for local agriculture, since the soybeans used in the bio-diesel come from Alabama. The company typically uses more than 500,000 gallons of bio-diesel annually.

The company also is leaning “green” in its fleet operations by making use of hybrid or plug-in hybrid bucket trucks, Kings told the group. And the company is looking ahead by examining other technologies, such as electric, extended-range trucks that could also play a role in the company’s fleet operations going forward.

Alabama Power is involved in other initiatives related to cleaner, more sustainable transportation options, including the promotion of plug-in electric vehicles for commercial and industrial purposes, as well as for the general consumer. The company is also a partner with groups such as the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and the Alabama Partners for Clean Air, which are involved in efforts to reduce emissions through the use of alternative fuels for transportation, or in the promotion of mass transit and carpooling.