Demand for biomethane has nearly tripled in a year at a South Ribble fuelling station as fleet operators are increasingly switching to low-carbon fuels.

A growing number of big retail and logistics firms like Waitrose, Asda, DHL, Argos and Preston-based H Parkinson Haulage are now using the site off the M6 at Leyland.

Latest data shows the volume of gas dispensed at the site in March this year was 170% higher than in March 2017.

Steve Sugden, general manager of H Parkinson Haulage, said: “Our customers care about reducing CO2 emissions and CNG lorries powered by renewable biomethane are the most environmentally friendly solution there is. These seven trucks will each cover almost a quarter million miles in a year, so they will cut our annual emissions by a massive 1,750 tonnes and save us money over their lifetime.

“We believe this is the future of green logistics, and if these trucks perform as expected we plan to add more to our fleet.”

HGVs using the station are expected to emit up to 84% less carbon than diesel equivalents, as well as far less air-polluting nitrogen oxides.

Operational since 2016, compressed natural gas (CNG) dispensed at the site is between 30% and 45% cheaper than diesel. The gas comes directly from a high pressure pipeline, which contributes to its heavily-reduced carbon footprint.

It is certified as renewable and sustainable, as CNG Fuels pays for an equivalent amount of biomethane made from food waste to enter the network.

Picture caption: Seema Kennedy MP, parliamentary private secretary to the Prime Minister, visiting the South Ribble CNG fuelling station.

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