Northern Ireland-based paving and walling manufacturer Tobermore has put into operation the first biomethane-powered forklift truck in the UK and Ireland. Trials are underway with a view to completely replacing the company’s 60 diesel forklifts with the new eco-friendly trucks. The initiative is the result of a collaboration with The Alexander Group and Linde Forklifts, and another significant step on Tobermore’s decarbonization journey.
The truck will undertake work on site while gathering essential data associated with carbon reduction and fuel efficiency. The manufacturer aims to reduce their Scope 1 carbon emissions by exploring alternative, greener fuels. Biomethane is renewable, produced locally and is recognized as one of the world’s cleanest fuels.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Tobermore and three local businesses have established a collaborative cluster to transform excess livestock manure and grass silage into biomethane which can be used as fuel. The vision of the Mid Ulster Carbon Co-operative is to establish a full-scale anaerobic digestion plant that will produce enough biomethane, not just for their own use, but also for injection into the NI gas grid.
“Tobermore is delighted to be trialing the nation’s first biogas forklift truck of its kind. We have a fleet of over 60 diesel powered forklifts which we aim to phase out in favor of trucks that use more sustainable fuels. In alignment with our anaerobic digestion plans, we will be able to produce biomethane fuel for our forklifts and lorries. We plan to significantly reduce our need for fossil fuels and hasten our journey towards net zero,” said David Henderson, Managing Director and owner of Tobermore.
Source: Tobermore
