HGVs fuelled with compressed biomethane emit 84% less CO2
Lorries using the UK’s first gas filling station emitted 84% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than equivalent diesel vehicles, a newly released study claims.
The UK’s biggest gas network, Cadent, commissioned independent analysis of the first 14 months of operation of the fuelling station, operated by CNG Fuels at Leyland, Lancashire. The first station on the high pressure gas network, it dispenses compressed natural gas (CNG) that is 100% renewable. Its customers include HGVs from supermarket chain Waitrose.
In a statement, Cadent says the newly published report provides evidence that CNG, ideally taken from high-pressure pipes, should be the fuel of choice for HGVs in the future.
A strategic switch from diesel to market-ready gas could have a “significant and immediate impact” on the UK Government’s stated commitment to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050, and support the drive for cleaner air, Cadent says. HGVs account for 15% of greenhouse gas emissions from UK transport and 4% of total UK emissions.
David Parkin, director for network strategy at Cadent, said: “This report proves there are significant environmental and economic benefits not just in using compressed natural gas, but in dispensing it from the high-pressure system. This is a credible option, available today, and our high pressure network is ideally situated to support its growth, as in most cases our pipeline tracks the UK’s major motorways.
“We hope now that leaders in the transport sector, central and local government will realise the potential that exists here, investing and removing any barriers to growth to make CNG the fuel of choice for HGVs, and we think buses too.
“Gas is a practical and affordable option for decarbonising heavy goods vehicle transport and lowering emissions. Biomethane CNG is a green fuel, and with up to 99 per cent reduction in emissions of nitrogen oxides, it can help clean air in our towns and cities, as well as reducing transport’s current high level of carbon emissions.”
The new report has been published by Element Energy.
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