CNG Fuels has commenced construction of two new public access renewable biomethane compressed natural gas (Bio-CNG) refuelling stations, two of five due to open in 2019, to cater for soaring demand from HGV operators switching from diesel, the company announced recently.

The new public access Bio-CNG stations will serve major truck routes and cities, and will be able to refuel up to 3,000 HGVs a day. CNG is sourced from waste feedstocks, such as food waste, and is the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to diesel for HGVs. It cuts vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 85% and is 35%-40% cheaper than diesel.

The new stations will be at Warrington on the M62 and Erdington, close to the M6. CNG Fuels estimates that in 2019, Bio-CNG supplied by the company will reduce UK haulage GHG emissions by more than 35,000 tons, with a multiple of this expected for 2020.

CNG Fuels expects to start construction on two more public access stations in the autumn, at Larkhall in Scotland and Knowsley, near Liverpool, and plans to add a further eight in 2020, making renewable and sustainable biomethane fuel available throughout the UK, from Scotland to the south-west. It is also developing the portfolio with support from investment company Ingenious. Element Energy forecasts the UK will have 10,000 HGVs and buses running on natural gas by 2020 and 60,000 by 2030