Aylesford, Kent in the UK is now witnessing the construction of a cutting-edge biomethane refuelling station specifically designed to serve heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). This innovative facility is projected to refuel more than 500 trucks daily, effectively curbing carbon emissions by nearly 60,000 tonnes annually. The collaborative effort behind this project involves CNG Fuels, the infrastructure division of ReFuels, and Foresight Group, a prominent sustainability-focused investment management firm.
The establishment of this refuelling station comes in the wake of a significant development – the UK government's recent release of its biomass strategy, which strongly advocates for the use of biomethane as a viable fuel option for challenging sectors such as HGVs.
Philip Fjeld, CEO of ReFuels, emphasizes the significance of this endeavor, stating, “Bio-CNG is the only fuel available today that can decarbonise the UK's HGV fleet at the scale and pace required to meet net zero.” He further highlights the growing enthusiasm among fleet operators for this eco-friendly refuelling infrastructure, reflected in the increasing adoption of the fuel across the UK.
Heavy goods vehicles currently contribute to 4.2% of the UK's carbon emissions, making them a critical focal point in the nation's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To address this, ReFuels has turned to renewable biomethane, which is derived from sources like food waste and manure. This solution has been proven to be the most carbon-efficient and cost-effective alternative to diesel for HGVs. By utilizing biomethane, emissions can be slashed by over 90%, coupled with a potential fuel cost reduction of up to 40% throughout the vehicle's lifetime.
The strategic location of the station, set to serve key truck routes including the M20 and M2, holds significance as well. Situated on land acquired from the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) adjacent to Waitrose's southeastern distribution center, the station will facilitate the rapid expansion of Waitrose's biomethane-powered HGV fleet. This expansion is pivotal considering that Waitrose already boasts the largest fleet of its kind in the UK.
Justin Laney, General Manager – Fleet at John Lewis Partnership, underscores the commitment to sustainable practices, sharing, “John Lewis Partnership is committed to all of its 520 heavy-duty trucks running on biomethane by 2028.” He views the new Bio-CNG station in Aylesford as a critical step towards realizing this ambitious objective.
The facility itself is designed to accommodate substantial demand. It will feature 12 fuel pumps capable of dispensing 19 million kilograms of Bio-CNG annually. This installation will be an extension of ReFuels' existing network of 12 refuelling stations across the UK. Collectively, these stations can cater to over 6,000 HGVs on a daily basis, ultimately leading to carbon emissions savings exceeding 750,000 tonnes compared to traditional diesel usage.
Looking forward, ReFuels has a bold vision for expansion. By 2026, the company aims to have 30 to 40 refuelling stations operational, boasting a total capacity of servicing up to 15,000 HGVs daily. This scale of operation is expected to result in the dispensation of more than 600 million kilograms of biomethane annually, effectively contributing to an 8% reduction in UK HGV CO2 emissions.
