Government must ‘secure biomethane supplies’ for transport sector

The UK Government is being urged to act on recommendations from the Department for Transport's Low Emission Task Force to increase the use of biomethane in heavy goods vehicles (hgvs).


Calling on the Government today, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) says a rise in biomethane use will take the utilisation of gas in the freight industry from small scale to mainstream.

The Government’s Task Force has said that an increase in the use of biomethane in hgvs could potentially reduce carbon emissions, reduce the UK’s reliance on imported gas and provide greater fuel security.

FTA climate change policy manager Rachael Dillon said: “The Task Force recommendations show that Government, key stakeholders and industry can work together to significantly increase the take up of gas hgvs. It is vital that we now build momentum and ensure that the recommendations transfer into actions”.

According to the group, the move towards gas powered hgvs with either liquefied natural gas or compressed natural gas and ultimately biomethane will ensure that the freight sector can contribute to national Government carbon reduction targets.

Dillon said: “The recent commitment by Government on the duty differential for gas provides much needed confidence for the freight industry to invest in dual fuel and dedicated gas vehicles.

“However, there is a lack of public refuelling infrastructure for gas vehicles which limits progress. Additionally, biomethane supplies need to be secured for the transport sector”.

The cost of refuelling infrastructure can cost around £1m, says the FTA, and therefore preventing many companies, particularly small operators, from investing in gas.

It also says that the current system for incentivising the use of biomethane means that it is diverted to heating and electricity sectors.

Last year, UPS’ director of sustainability for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Peter Harris’ told edie that internal conflicts in Government are restricting the use of biomethane in the transport and logistics sector..

Leigh Stringer

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