Heavy goods vehicles and light-duty vans contribute the most greenhouse gas emissions in the road transport sector, but it will take a great deal of time to fully switch to electric alternatives, especially for long-haul trucks. In the meantime, renewable fuels—including biodiesel, biomethane, bioethanol, biopropane, and hydrotreated vegetable oil—are key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet regulatory requirements.
The Way Forward
A new Renewable Fuels Guide from the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) and Cenex, and supported by CNG Fuels and Scania, presents case studies from major fleet operators from the likes of McDonald’s, McGregor Logistics, and others. The Guide makes the business and environmental case for a variety of low carbon and sustainable fuels with particular emphasis on high-blend biofuels for commercial vehicles.
“Renewable fuels have significant potential to deliver near-term carbon emissions savings for HGV operators,” said Cenex Senior Transport Consultant Fergus Worthy. “This new guide provides fleets with independent, impartial advice about the range of fuels on the market and is recommended for any organisation looking to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Renewable Fuels In The UK
The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation Order of 2007 requires large retail suppliers in the UK to use fuel that consists of at least 9.75% renewable sources by this year, and at least 12.4% by 2032.
Currently in the UK, 4.9% of total road fuel is from renewable sources. Government figures show that 70% of such fuel supplied was made from waste feedstocks and it reduced greenhouse gas emissions an average of 78% compared to fossil fuels. CNG Fuels plans to start selling the UK’s first carbon-neutral fuel for heavy goods vehicles next year.
Scania Produces Renewably Fuelled Trucks
“Scania offers the widest range of alternatively-fuelled vehicles on the market today,” said Scania (Great Britain) Limited’s Managing Director Martin Hay. “As such, we wholeheartedly support the launch of the LowCVP's guide to renewable fuels.”
You’ll find hundreds of new and used Scania trucks for sale every day on TruckLocator.