Biomethane network expands as HGV demand doubles

HGVs make up 4.2 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions and their power demands mean electrification is unlikely in the near future. New petrol and diesel HGVs are due to be banned from 2040, meaning alternative energy sources for the sector are needed.

Biomethane, or bio-CNG (compressed natural gas), is derived from manure and food waste, and is emerging as one of the prime candidates to decarbonise the HGV sector. According to biomethane supplier CNG Fuels, the renewable energy source cuts emissions by over 90 per cent compared to diesel and can deliver up to a 40 per cent fuel cost saving over the lifetime of a HGV. The company says the number of biomethane-powered HGVs on UK roads has doubled in the past year, with CNG Fuels having just opened its tenth refuelling station to meet the growing demand.

Located in Castleford, the new station has capacity to refuel 500 HGVs per day. In total, the company’s network can now cater for 5,000 HGVs across the UK daily, saving up to 1,600 tonnes of CO2 every day, or 584,000 tonnes of CO2 annually compared to diesel.