ADBA presented their report, Biomethane: Fuelling a Transport Revolution, which details the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions issues facing the UK transport sector.
It also explores the possible solutions available for heavy goods and public transport vehicles, which generate 20% of current emissions per year.
In addition to the options presented by electric vehicles and hydrogen-power, the report highlighted the value of biomethane in providing a green fuel alternative for heavy vehicles.
Speaking about the opportunity of utilising biomethane as a decarbonisation method, Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive at ADBA, said, “Transport is the most polluting sector and its GHG emissions levels have not changed over the past decade.”
“Biomethane is ready to be produced, ready to be used, and can decarbonise heavy vehicles transport here and now. At a time when the pollution levels exceed WHO guidelines on 97% of UK roads, we cannot afford to wait 15-20 years for electricity or hydrogen solutions to become ready.”
Major fleet operators, household names, and city councils are already making the transition for their delivery fleets and buses, including ASDA, Royal Mail, Nottingham City Transport, and Liverpool City Council.
The report revealed that, compared to diesel, fuelling HGVs with biomethane can cut well-to-wheel emissions by 80% per km driven. With the Return On Investment (ROI) being achievable within two years, the transition is anticipated to be adopted by many others industry leaders.
Philip Fjeld, CEO of CNG-Fuels, spoke about the future of biomethane, saying, “Using biomethane as a transport fuel is an immediate “no regrets” option that not only contributes to significant cuts in GHG emissions from HGVs, but also stimulates continued growth in the UK biomethane sector.”
He also sees biomethane as a transport fuel becoming a win-win solution with an availability to all hauliers and as a method to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
As the UK focuses on achieving its Net Zero targets by 2030, agriculture is the next sector that is expected to benefit from the availability of biomethane with the launch of the CNHi Biomethane tractor and small scale on-site methanation units.