Transport sector calls for low carbon fuel

 ADBA PRESS RELEASE

Bringing together all those with an interest in the biomethane and gas vehicle market, the UK’s first Biomethane and Gas Vehicle Conference, sponsored by Infineum and held at London’s City Hall on Wednesday 5 June, demonstrated the clear demand and opportunity for growth in the use of gas and biomethane in transport.

Transport Minister Norman Baker (DfT) opened the conference by announcing a further £5m funding to help local authorities to decarbonise bus fleets. He also welcomed the launch of the Gas Vehicle Hub, a national database of operating gas (natural and biomethane) producers and refuelling stations, and confirmed that the department would continue to work with the AD industry to break down the barriers which are currently holding back the supply of biomethane.

Speakers representing a cross section of the transport supply chain focused on a clear message for sectors still reliant on diesel, such as heavy goods transport and buses, that switching to gas and biomethane is the only way for these sectors to achieve the meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in air quality that are needed.

Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive, ADBA, said:

It is good to see such demand for biomethane within the haulage and freight sector and a serious desire to address carbon emissions and air quality.

 

This interest should act as a strong driver for government to consider the potentially significant wider policy implications that a demand for efficient, clean and green fuel within transport could have across government in terms of both waste and bioenergy policy.

Event speaker and co-host Andy Eastlake, Managing Director, LowCVP said:

The Biomethane and Gas Vehicle conference demonstrated that there is a growing momentum behind biomethane. LowCVP research has shown potentially significant carbon, pollutant and financial savings are available for those willing to invest and explore this technology. We will continue to work with industry and government to deliver the real and significant opportunities available to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the challenging and fast changing, freight, HGV and bus sectors.

Event delegate Christopher Maltin, Chairman, Biomethane Ltd said:

It was great to see government representatives in attendance and proves the industry is heading in the right direction. Gas is no longer being considered a ‘niche’ fuel; events such as this are helping to broaden its appeal and make it more mainstream.

Event co-host John Ingram, Freight and Logistics Specialist, Transport Knowledge Transfer Network said:

It was an excellent event with a really good range of presentations and perspectives. It is encouraging to see that the industry is taking the initiative and investing in the infrastructure and equipment in this area. The government’s support of this sector with the Technology Strategy Board’s Low Carbon Truck Trial Competition is a welcome addition. However a more fundamental issue for the sector will be the need to ensure sufficient energy supply and availability in the future and this will need to be supported by a government strategy.

Discussions on the value of biomethane in transport will continue at the UK’s only dedicated AD and biogas event, UK AD & Biogas 2013, (3-4 July, NEC Birmingham) with a transport feature area and sessions focused on developing a strategy for biomethane in transport and opportunities for biomethane in different transport fleets.