Decarbonising transport: ‘World’s largest’ biomethane refuelling station opens in UK

Image: CNG Fuels

The facility, developed and operated by CNG fuels, hosts 14 high-speed biomethane refuelling dispensers, which is thought to make it the largest facility of its kind in the world.

It is located near the M4/M5 and will dispense only biomethane produced using food waste. The fuel, CNG Fuels has pledged, will always comply with the requirements of the Department for Transport’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) scheme

Overall, CNG Fuels is touting a reduction in emissions from HGV journeys of up to 90%, when it compares its biomethane with diesel. It has been forecast that the refuelling station will help businesses to reduce emissions from HGV fleets by up to 70,000 tonnes annually.

End-user businesses which operate HGVs with biomethane capacity in and around Bristol include Amazon, Royal Mail, Warburtons, Hermes, Waitrose & Partners and Lidl. Another firm that has ordered HGVs in preparation for the opening of the new Avonmouth refuelling facility is John Dinham Transport, which provides distribution services.

“Running our fleets on 100% renewable biomethane… has been a huge selling point for us, especially amongst our bigger corporate customers who have pledged to reduce their carbon footprint,” said owner John Dinham.

The Avonmouth facility is the ninth to be developed in the UK by CNG fuels. The business is planning to be operating 20 large, public-access refuelling stations in the UK by the end of 2023.

“We are continuing to see high increases in demand and with the recent news of the 2040 ban on new diesel HGV’s, we expect the pace of demand to continue,” said CNG Fuels’ chief executive Philip Field.

The ban was announced last July as part of the Government’s much-anticipated Transport Decarbonisation Plan. With transport having been the UK’s highest-emitting sector since 2016, the Plan outlines roadmaps to cut emissions from all modes of domestic transport. HGVs are notoriously challenging to fully electrify, so biomethane is seen as forming part of the solution, along with hydrogen. 

45-Minute Masterclass: Electrifying your business fleet

Registration is now open for edie’s next free Masterclass, which is taking place on 29 March and will outline how businesses can integrate electric vehicles (EVs) into their fleets as they work to decarbonise.

This 45-minute online Masterclass is hosted in association with E.ON. It will take place at 1pm on Tuesday 29 March and will help businesses to formulate and deliver ambitious plans to reduce emissions from their fleets. Click here for a full agenda and to register. 

Sarah George