The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has welcomed the Department for Transport's (DfT's) recommendations for action to boost biomethane and natural gas as a lower carbon fuel for heavy goods vehicles.
The DfT's announcement, published yesterday (13 March 2014) follows a series of recommendations made by the SMMT as part of the Low Emission HGV Task Force, which provided feedback to the DfT for evaluation.
SMMT believes the use of LNG/CNG (liquefied and compressed natural gas) and biomethane can play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions from freight operations – particularly for regional and long-distance freight, where there are few other realistic technology options for substantial CO2 reduction.
However, investment will certainly be crucial to make gas a viable alternative fuel, says Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.
"Now, with official government backing... infrastructure, vehicle and technology developments can be made with greater confidence," he adds.
The SMMT and the Low Emission HGV Task Force believe that carbon emission reduction is just one benefit of increasing the use of natural gas and biomethane.
Others include lower fuel costs for operators, improved energy security (through less reliance on diesel) and reductions in air pollution.
Click the lick below for the full DfT report and recommendations.
