CNG Fuels, UK supplier of alternative low-carbon fuels for HGVs, is set to host hydrogen fuel trials across its expanding UK network of public access biomethane refuelling stations, as it aims to support the future decarbonisation of HGVs and prepare customers for a multi-fuel future.
A new branch of the company, HyFuels, has been established to identify the best hydrogen production pathways and infrastructure solutions for HGVs. It aims to 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.”
According to the company, HGVs account for 16% of UK transport emissions, despite representing just 5% of total road miles on UK roads. For high-mileage HGVs, renewable biomethane is the lowest carbon, most cost-effective alternative fuel today, cutting emissions by more than 85% and lifetime costs by 30-40% compared to diesel.
Read more: ‘World’s largest’ low-carbon HGV refuelling station to open in UK this year
Mid-weight trucks (<26 tonnes) will be among the first to be commercially viable for new technologies such as hydrogen. HyFuels added its trials will be particularly important for hauliers that operate these mid-weight trucks, helping them to navigate challenging decarbonisation targets proposed by government, including a potential ban on diesel engines by 2030.
HyFuels said it is already in advanced discussions with international providers of both hydrogen infrastructure and the fuel to deploy their 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.
Read more: Construction of Scotland’s first low-carbon HGV refuelling station begins
