Renewable biomethane fuel for trucks launched

The fuel is made from waste generated by food and is 40% cheaper than diesel, according to its supplier.

CNG Fuels, a supplier of compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel, has launched its renewable biomethane fuel, a low-carbon alternative to diesel for trucks.

The fuel is 35%-40% cheaper than diesel, and emits 70% less CO2, on a well-to-wheel basis, which will reduce running costs and emissions for fleet operators, according to the company.

CNG is made from the gas harvested through the processing of waste generated by food production, originating from anaerobic digestion plants, which are waste treatment facilities that break down organic matter. The gas is then injected directly into gas pipelines and subsequently compressed at CNG Fuels’ high-capacity refuelling stations in Leyland and Crewe.

CNG Fuels is developing a nationwide network of refuelling stations on trunking routes fed by the high-pressure gas grid. The West Midlands-based company is also developing ‘daughter’ stations in customer depots within 100 miles of its ‘mother’ stations, and will deliver gas by trailer at a similar price per kilo.

CNG Fuels is targeting operators of high-mileage trucks, who stand to make the biggest financial savings and carbon impact. Its customers’ vehicles travel an average of 125,000 miles every year, and CNG-powered trucks are more expensive than those that use diesel. However, for HGVs covering this mileage, fuel savings can recoup the extra cost within around two to three years. CNG fuel-powered engines also meet the latest Euro 6 emissions standards, and are up to 50% quieter than diesel engine.

Philip Fjeld, chief executive of CNG Fuels, said: “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.”

The biomethane is independently verified as renewable and sustainable, and approved under the Department for Transport’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) scheme.
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.

Retailers such as Waitrose, John Lewis and Argos have already committed to using the biomethane for their long-distance articulated lorries.