UK biomethane supplier CNG Fuels today opened a biomethane refuelling station in southwest England to meet growing demand from companies that aim to cut emissions from haulage.
The site can refuel up to 80 heavy duty vehicles (HGV) per hour from 14 high-speed dispenser, making it the largest public access biomethane refuelling station in the world, the company said.
When fully utilised, the station will supply enough fuel to offset 70,000 t/yr of emissions from diesel HGVs, it said.
The firm said UK demand for biomethane has increased by 1,000pc in the last five years, and it predicts this to rise five-fold in the next five years. The UK plans to ban the sale of new diesel HGVs by 2040.
The site is CNG's ninth in the UK, and it plans to have 20 large public access stations in operation by 2023.
"In addition to our expanding network, we are also preparing for a multiple-fuel future to ensure that when new technologies emerge, the infrastructure will already be in place to cater to demand," CNG Fuels' chief executive Philip Fjeld said.
Last year the company said it plans to host hydrogen fuel trials this year, with plans to allocate 100 acres of its land to public access hydrogen refuelling by 2025.
Biomethane is a low-carbon and cost-effective alternative to diesel for HGVs, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90pc and reducing lifetime vehicle costs by 30-40pc.
