OLIVE oil is to be used to power Malaga’s entire new metro network, making it the most environmentally efficient transport system in Europe.

The Ministry of Public Works has announced the decision to use olive oil and championed it as a green alternative to electricity.

The train network – which should begin carrying passengers on the first two lines this year – will be the largest in the world to employ the cutting edge bio-diesel technology.

Chris Stewart, drummer in Genesis turned Andalucian farmer and environmentalist, has hailed the move as ‘a giant step towards a sustainable planet Earth’.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see Malaga leading the world in terms of sustainability, this is a landmark moment for anyone who loves and cares for the world we live in.

“Let’s just hope Boris Johnson and Transport for London are watching closely.”

Meanwhile, technology tycoon Sir Richard Branson has also overseen research into the use of olive oil as a power source, with the hope of launching an offshoot company called Extra Virgin.

The olive oil will be taken from a variety of co-ops in Ronda, the Axarquia and Guadalhorce valley, in a move which the Junta hope will create more jobs for recession-hit areas.

In June 2004 the Junta granted the construction and use of lines 1 and 2 of the Malaga metro, but since then the project has hit many delays.

Staff are due to begin their three month training period this month and once completed, the first two lines will open for public use.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. Have I been had ? But seriously you CAN use olive oil and old chip fat in place of diesel, with a little bit of messing around with it to stop it clogging the injectors. But then the Revenue moves in and taxes it as if it were diesel !

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