CNG Fuels to host HGV hydrogen trials

CNG Fuels will host hydrogen fuel trials across its UK network of biomethane refuelling stations, to support the future decarbonisation of HGVs.

A new branch of the company, HyFuels, has been established to identify the best hydrogen production pathways and infrastructure solutions for HGVs so it can support customers in adopting hydrogen quickly and easily when it becomes commercially viable.

The first trials are due to begin in mid-2022, with the company currently in discussions with international partners and undertaking feasibility studies across its upcoming development sites.

By 2025, the company plans to allocate 100 acres of its land to public access hydrogen refuelling.

Philip Fjeld, CEO of CNG Fuels, said: “HGVs alone account for 5% of all UK emissions, making their decarbonisation one of the single most important things the UK can do to meet our net zero ambitions.

“Renewable biomethane is and will continue to be the most effective decarbonisation solution for heavy transport for many years. However, we have launched HyFuels to ensure we are ready to support our customers’ journey to a multi-fuel future as new technologies become commercially viable and the fuel readily available.”

CNG Fuels already supports major fleets with 100% renewable biomethane sourced from food waste and manure across its network of public access refuelling stations. Brands already on board include the John Lewis Partnership, Waitrose, Hermes, Warburtons, and Royal Mail. CNG Fuels expects that with the rapid expansion of its UK wide network, this will continue to accelerate with around 10% of the UK’s high-mileage HGV fleet running on Bio-CNG by 2025.

HyFuels is already in discussions with providers of both hydrogen infrastructure and the fuel to deploy its first trials. Among the first initiatives will be a number of hydrogen-ready mobile refuelling units that are able to quickly deliver hydrogen to refuelling sites on demand.

Findings from the trials will be used to inform government, industry, and existing customers on the effectiveness of different hydrogen solutions and outline key infrastructure considerations for a hydrogen refuelling network. The company is also planning to incorporate the findings into a wider business strategy, with a complete roadmap for companies to switch fleets from diesel to net zero fuels.

CNG Fuels currently operates seven public access bio-CNG refueling stations and plans to open at least 12 more every year from 2022. The company plans to have 60 stations in operation by 2026, supporting the mass adoption of renewable biomethane fuel by fleets across the UK.