Leeds succeeds in trials of biomethane refuse lorry

The trialled truck is estimated to have achieved a 49 per cent saving in well-to-wheel greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, compared to the council’s diesel Econic fleet and, according to the results, using biomethane to power refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) will not only protect the environment but will also deliver cost savings for UK local authorities.

With the assistance of the Infrastructure Grants Programme, the council has installed a permanent filling station, and hopes to raise the GHG saving to 64 per cent, with possible 78 per cent savings estimated if biogas is generated on-site, and eventually increase the number of NGVs within its 1,100 truck fleet. 

“In the UK, heavy goods vehicles such as refuse trucks contribute a disproportionately high percentage of carbon dioxide emissions. With a pressing need to reduce greenhouse gases, it is imperative that we explore the use of new fuels such as biomethane wherever feasible. This pioneering Leeds City Council trial highlights the major advantages of switching the UK’s RCV fleet to run on biomethane,” said Chris Walsh, head of technical support and consultancy at Cenex.

Source: Cenex