Biomethane Sales Double in the UK
(Gasrec/NGV Journal) Gasrec has doubled the sales of biomethane across its commercial vehicle refueling network in the first quarter of 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. The growth continues the huge spike in demand for gas over the past two years, with the company now supplying approximately seven times more biomethane to the road transport sector than at the start of 2019.
“Demand is growing by the day, as more operators transition to running on cleaner and lower cost biomethane. The net result is we are seeing some very big fleets ditching diesel altogether and only investing in natural gas trucks when replacing or adding assets,” said James Westcott, Chief Commercial Officer at Gasrec. “It’s a hugely exciting time and we’re working closely with end-user fleets and developers of new logistics parks to ensure we’re putting dedicated infrastructure where it’s needed to help operators scale fast. We’re at advanced planning and development stages on a number of new sites.”
While there has been a steady increase in demand for bio-CNG, bio-LNG has seen huge growth – due largely to its suitability for long-haul work and the 6×2 tractor unit market. Sales of bio-LNG from Gasrec’s 24/7 flagship site at the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) grew by more than 250% in the last 12 months alone.
“There is little doubt that right now biomethane offers the best route forward when it comes to cutting tailpipe emissions for long-haul operations and will continue to do so for a significant time yet,” Westcott added.
Within the last 12 months Gasrec has invested £1 million upgrading its flagship DIRFT site – which has the capacity to refuel up to 700 trucks per day – plus installed on-site refueling stations for Reed Boardall at its Boroughbridge site, and for Gregory Distribution at its Cullumpton depot. The company’s cryogenic trailer fleet – used for delivering bio-LNG – is also growing rapidly to keep up with demand, with up to eight trailers expected to be on the road by the end of the year. READ MORE