In a UK first for the construction materials sector, Tarmac, a CRH company, has trialed the use of biomethane in a heavy goods vehicle from IVECO as part of the company’s ongoing drive to reach net zero. The three week-long trial was carried out in June and July this year in partnership with CNG Fuels, and tested the range of a 44 ton truck hauling a bulk cement tanker.
“This trial of biomethane fuel in an HGV represents another important step in our transition to net zero logistics,” commented Ben Garner, senior manager of logistics development at Tarmac.
“Tarmac is dedicated to innovating through trialing low carbon transport and logistics solutions. While the end goal is to electrify our fleet or to use low carbon fuels like hydrogen, we need to look at sustainable alternative fuels that we can start using sooner. Partnering with CNG Fuels on this trial demonstrates what we can achieve by working with the logistics sector to reach net zero emissions,” he added.
During the trial, drivers found that using biomethane could even deliver additional benefits including reduced vibrations in the cabin. In addition, production of biomethane is increasing in the UK, and there is a network of fueling stations across the country.
Tarmac’s Tunstead site was chosen as the location for the trial due to the undulating landscape of the Peak District. This tested the truck’s ability to navigate steep, uneven terrain. Tarmac will look at the full results of the trial to assess the potential for biomethane to be used as an alternative to diesel in other vehicles.
This latest trial is another step towards Tarmac’s aim to reach net zero by 2050, as part of the company’s net zero roadmap and its sustainability strategy, Act, which was published in 2021.
Source: Tarmac
