(UK)
Major high street chains Waitrose, John Lewis and Argos have committed to using renewable biomethane fuel made from food waste in their long haul delivery trucks in a move which will help drive down road transport emissions.
The retail giants – along with haulier Brit European – will be using the renewable biomethane fuel for their long-distance articulated lorries. Supplied by CNG Fuels – whose customers’ vehicles travel an average of 125,000 miles every year – it is 35%-40% cheaper than diesel, and emits 70% less CO2, on a well-to-wheel basis.
Labelled the most cost-effective and lowest-carbon alternative to diesel for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), it offers fleet operators the chance to significantly reduce running costs and emissions.
CNG Fuels is the UK’s leading supplier of CNG (compressed natural gas) fuel, and it is now sourcing its entire supply from biomethane. It is made from the gas harvested through the processing of waste generated by food production, which is then injected directly into gas pipelines. The gas is subsequently compressed at CNG Fuels’ own high-capacity refuelling stations in Leyland (Lancashire) and Crewe (Cheshire).
The Solihull-based company is developing a major UK-wide network of refuelling stations on major trunking routes fed by the high-pressure gas grid. Including fuel duty, biomethane CNG retails at 65p/kg before VAT (the equivalent of 49p/litre for diesel), and prices are even lower for bulk purchases.
Philip Fjeld, CEO of CNG Fuels, said: “Renewable and sustainably sourced biomethane is the most cost-effective and lowest-carbon alternative to diesel for HGVs, and is attracting increasing interest. We are expanding our refuelling infrastructure nationwide to help fleet operators save money, cut carbon and clean up our air. We are proud to be the first company in the UK to offer its customers RTFO-approved biomethane, and are pleased to be able to do so at the same price as fossil fuel gas.”
