DfT planning a gas-powered future for trucks

9th April 2014

The Department for Transport has published its recommendations for facilitating HGV vehicles’ move to biomethane/natural gas as a lower carbon fuel option.

The recommendations were drawn up by the Low Emission HGV Task Force, which considers natural gas and biomethane in HGVs to be an important part of reducing carbon emissions from freight operations overall – particularly in regional and long-distance freight sectors, where there are a limited number of realistic options for substantial CO2 reduction in the short to medium-term.

Beyond CO2 reductions, the Task Force cited other benefits including lower fuel costs for operators, improved energy security (through less reliance on diesel) and potential reductions in air pollution.

“Delivering certainty for investment in this alternative fuel is crucial to its development over the coming years,” said Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, which formed part of the Task Force.  “Now, with official government backing, investment in the necessary infrastructure, vehicle and technology developments can be made with greater confidence.”

The recommendations include supporting a new refueling infrastructure, removing financial and legislative barriers by reviewing incentives (including concessions for methanol) and how they are provided, and reviewing Construction & Use Regulations to incorporate fuels such as hydrogen, LNG, CNG and liquefied and compressed biomethane.

In the 2013 Autumn Statement, the Chancellor acknowledged the need to incentivise a move to gas.  His guarantee of a duty differential for gas against the price of diesel until 2024 marked an important step that secured the business case for gas.