Our industry has a chance to set benchmarks when it comes to going green, and there is no way we can shy away from the fundamental environmental issues that need addressing. We are well supported in this and it’s great news that companies such as LCNG Fuels are being so proactive.
LCNG is set to establish five more biomethane gas stations before the end of the year, with all offering the green renewable biomethane fuel. Approved under the DfT’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) scheme, this fuel is seen as the future for the haulage industry.
Where Are the Stations Being Built?
Warrington – This station will be the largest in Europe and will be able to provide for up to 800 HGVs every day. Not only that, 12 drivers can top up with gas at the same time! With construction already happening, this place will be a shining beacon of our industry’s future.
Erdington – Located in close proximity to the M6 in Birmingham, this location is under construction already. It’s incredible to think that it will have enough resources to fill up more than 600 HGVs on any given day.
Northampton – Due to open in autumn at the same time as the Erdington and Warrington stations, this M1 stop is set to accommodate over 350 HGVs a day.
Larkhill in Scotland and Knowsley, near Liverpool – Construction at these two sites is due to start in the autumn of this year.
Why is CNG Investing?
CNG is our leading natural gas supplier, and demand for its product (biomethane compressed natural gas) is increasing with unimaginable speed. Last year saw a 300% rise in demand and this is only set to continue. With a financial injection from Ignious Group, CNG plans to build another eight stations next year.
This increase in demand is reflective of the rise in the number of gas-fuelled vehicles and is something that the haulage industry can’t ignore. Before long, all vehicles will have to be greener, therefore building more filling stations is a great way to encourage people to move forward in this way. As haulage workers, we need to be able to fill up conveniently and efficiently and are much more likely to ‘go green’ if the facilities are readily available.
The Facts
CNG has published research that states that using its biomethane gas will equate to an 85% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, and this is the big one for us, it is up to 40% cheaper than diesel! It is little wonder that this renewable fuel option is gaining momentum and attracting interest in our industry.
The CEO of CNG, Philip Fjeld, has said that his customers (including the John Lewis Partnership, Hermes, Asda, Argos and DHL) are ordering new biomethane fuelled trucks in huge numbers this year, and that the company has raised interest from more than 30% of the UK’s other heavy goods companies.
With the big push to go green is prompting the building of these fuel stations, companies are being encouraged to make the switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles. Every haulage worker has a responsibility to keep up to date with how the industry is evolving, so we recommend you consider making the change too.
Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage work with available drivers, and is now the fastest growing Freight Exchange in the UK.
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