Natural gas power '˜a game changer'

They will use game-changing technology developed jointly with Scania and Agility Fuel Solutions, the leading CNG fuel systems and cylinders company in North America.

This will help overcome concerns about the distance that CNG-powered lorries are able to cover before refuelling. It also makes it easier for fleet operators to switch to renewable biomethane CNG, the most cost-effective and lowest carbon alternative to diesel.

In January 10 new Scania CNG trucks entered operation for Waitrose, which has a major distribution centre near Chorley.

They will be used to make deliveries to the company’s stores in the Midlands and the North.

They are the first in Europe to use twin 26-inch diameter carbon fibre fuel tanks which store gas at 250 bar of pressure to increase range from around 300 miles to as much as 500.

It will allow them to always run entirely on biomethane, which is 35 per cent to 40 per cent cheaper than diesel and emits 70 per cent less CO2.

Each of Waitrose’s new CNG trucks costs 50% more than one which runs on diesel, but will repay the extra costs in two to three years with fuel savings of £15,000 to £20,000 a year depending on mileage.

Philip Fjeld, CEO of CNG Fuels, which has a Leyland site, said: “High pressure carbon-fibre fuel tanks demolish the ‘range anxiety’ concerns that have made many hauliers reluctant to move away from diesel to CNG.

Renewable biomethane is far cheaper and cleaner than diesel, and, with a range of up to 500 miles, it is a game-changer for road transport operators.”