Anheuser-Busch to run 180 trucks on renewable natural gas

US brewer Anheuser-Busch is planning to convert more than 180 of its trucks to "renewable natural gas" (RNG), a move that is expected to reduce emissions by 70% compared to using conventional diesel.


Anheuser-Busch to run 180 trucks on renewable natural gas

 In 2014 and 2015

Anheuser-Busch, a wholly owned subsidiary of global brewer AB InBev, will convert 30% of its dedicated fleet to RNG. The vehicles, comprising of two fleets, will travel more than 8.5 million miles each year.

Anheuser-Busch has placed an order from Agility Fuel Solutions to equip new class-8 trucks with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fuel systems that can run on RNG. In 2014 and 2015, the company converted 160 diesel trucks in Houston and St. Louis to CNG engines.

“We are incredibly fortunate to work hand-in-hand with our suppliers to identify new solutions, like RNG, to improve the sustainability of our fleet and reduce carbon emissions across our entire value chain,” Anheuser-Busch’s vice president of procurement and sustainability Ingrid De Ryck said.

“Innovation in the transportation sector is a massive opportunity for companies like ours and we continuously strive to lead the industry by transporting every beer in the most sustainable way possible.”

Low-carbon deliveries

The announcement builds on efforts from AB InBev to decarbonise its fleet. The brewer, which owns brands including Budweiser, Stella Artois and Beck’s has been an early adopt of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

In February 2019, AB InBev trialled LNG deliveries out of its Samlesbury brewery in Lancashire over a two-week period. In a first for the company’s UK breweries, the LNG trial aimed to reduce CO2, Particulate Matter, Nitrogen Oxide and noise emissions.

The project aligns to AB InBev’s ambition to reduce value chain emissions by 25% by in the next six years, as outlined by the firm’s 2025 Sustainability Goals

At the same time, the company completed its first zero-emission beer delivery, 18 months after placing an order for 800 hydrogen-electric semi-trucks.

AB InBev first placed its order with Nikola in May 2018, requesting 800 hydrogen-electric semi-trucks. The vehicles will be integrated into its fleet from early 2020, as the brewer strives to run its entire fleet of long-haul trucks on clean energy by 2025.  

AB InBev has saved £46.5m in the past four years through energy-efficiency improvements, and is launching a new innovation programme aimed at solving more than 100 sustainability challenges by 2025.

“RNG or biomethane is a pipeline quality gas fully interchangeable with CNG and is one of the cleanest burning fuels available. We are pleased to see that our systems continue to enable Anheuser-Busch to opt for lower emission solutions in their fleet,” Agility Fuel Solutions’ president Seung Baik said.

“The performance, durability, and price stability of CNG-powered trucks make it a great value for distribution fleets like Anheuser-Busch.”

Matt Mace

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