UK – This month sees the first annual report to the Department for Transport (DfT) on the trial evaluation of Low Carbon Truck and Refuelling Infrastructure, a scheme designed to incentivise of road haulage operators to switch to more environmentally friendly power sources, particularly gas vehicles, and clean up the industry’s image. The authored by Atkins, immediately drew comments from the Freight Transport Association .
In January 2014, of the 354 trucks planned to be delivered through the trial, 175 trucks were in use, representing 49% of the total number of trucks planned through the trial. 18 low carbon trailers were also included and deployed in the trial. Most of the vehicles were dual fuel tractor gas trucks with 10 others running on cooking oil and 5 (proposed) LNG powered units.
13 projects had been selected to enter the trial after a competition held by the Technology Strategy Board which then co funded the scheme with the Office for Low Emission Vehicles . The refuelling infrastructure, is planned to consist of 18 new stations to be on stream through the trial (five LNG stations, two CNG stations, 10 LCNG stations, 1 UCO station) with 8 existing stations due to be upgraded with methane vent capture technology.
The Government is providing £11.3 million to make up the overall £23 million demonstration project funding to pump prime procurement of low emission HGV technologies and supporting infrastructure. The increased utilisation of gas and ultimately biomethane will help the road freight sector to reduce carbon emissions and the 13 schemes are being led by a range of consortia including leading FTA members.