Waitrose, John Lewis and Argos among the first users of a new biomethane fuel for gas-powered trucks, reports BusinessGreen

Gas-powered lorries laden with Christmas parcels are set to have a lighter carbon impact this season thanks to the launch today of a new renewable fuel from CNG Fuels.



Retailers including John Lewis, Argos and Waitrose have already confirmed some of their long-distance lorries will run on the green gas – a renewable biomethane fuel derived from food waste – which is up to 40% cheaper than diesel and emits 70% less carbon dioxide, CNG Fuel says.

The fuel can only be used in trucks with gas engines, which are less polluting than traditional petrol or diesel engines. Although gas trucks cost 50% more than diesel alternatives, companies can recoup the extra costs within three years of purchase thanks to the cheaper cost of fuel.

The new fuel is the first biomethane approved for use under the government’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation scheme (RTFO). The launch comes just a couple of days after the government published a lengthy consultation on changes to the RTFO scheme, including proposals to incentivise the uptake of biomethane in the transport sector.

“Renewable and sustainably sourced biomethane is the most cost-effective and lowest-carbon alternative to diesel for HGVs and is attracting increasing interest,” Philip Fjeld, chief executive of CNG Fuels, said in a statement. “We are expanding our refuelling infrastructure nationwide to help fleet operators save money, cut carbon and clean up our air.”

Waitrose and John Lewis are two of the first companies to start using the new fuel in the UK. Together they own more than 500 HGVs, and have invested more than £1m in CNG trucks, two already in operation and 10 more on order.

Justin Laney, general manager of central transport at John Lewis, said the introduction of renewable biomethane will help make its fleet cleaner and quieter, while the “significant” cost savings mean there is a “compelling business case to switch from diesel”.

HGVs are some of the most polluting forms of transport – largely because of the hefty annual mileage they rack up. On average a typical articulated diesel HGV driving 125,000 miles per year emits 100 times more carbon dioxide than a typical passenger vehicle, which travels 7,900 miles per year.

CNG Fuels plans to target this market by developing a nationwide network of gas refuelling stations on major trunking routes. It has purchased enough Renewable Transport Fuel Certificates (RTFCs) to ensure its entire network will can run on biomethane. The purchase of RTFCs ensures the green gas comes from AD plants not supported by the Renewable Heat Incentive or any other subsidy schemes.