hgv Archives - Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer

Entrepreneur Ennis aims to fuel HGV fleets for less with cleantech venture

Linda Stewart — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 09:20:06 +0000

Having previously disrupted the energy sector with Vayu, Irish entrepreneur Tony Ennis is hoping to do it again with a new cleantech venture aiming to fuel HGV fleets at a significantly lower price than traditional fossil fuels.

The businessman plans to build a series of bio-methane refineries in Britain and Ireland through a company he chairs called Manby BGE as part of a projected €1 million spend.

The refineries will break down organic matter such as animal waste through a process called anaerobic digestion, with all gas produced reserved specifically for use by the heavy goods transportation sector.

Ennis is also planning for 2050 Group, a second business he chairs, to establish a nationwide chain of refuelling stations rather than selling the bio-compressed natural gas (Bio-CNG) that Manby BGE produces through other distributors.

Ennis told the Business Post that Manby BGE is already going through the planning process for its first bio-gas refinery in Lincolnshire at a projected cost of €150 million.

The group intends to develop four more sites in Britain and two in Ireland, with Ennis claiming there is strong interest from backers in the project. Each refinery would be capable of producing up to 6000 cubic metres of gas every hour, more than enough to fuel 1,000 HGVs operating 24/7, 365 days a year.

Ennis previously founded Vayu in 2003, which was the first independent firm to get a gas supply licence in Ireland and won 30 per cent of the industrial and commercial market, before he sold his stake for €10 million in 2011.

He said Manby GBE’s plan is to build up to 12 sites in the next decade.

“We’ve lots of other investors who want in on this. There was already huge interest in the plan before the war in Ukraine but the impact of that on energy prices, combined with the need for businesses to do more on the ESG front, means that what we are proposing is proving to be very attractive,” he said.

“This is very much a means of ensuring security of supply while also accelerating the green agenda.”

Ennis believes there is a strong opportunity to get truck drivers using fuel that is cheaper that fossil fuels and less damaging to the environment.

“Forget about hydrogen. Bio-CNG is the only real commercially viable alternative to diesel for HGVs. One truck consumes more energy in a week than your average household does in a year. HGVs account for just 5 per cent of all vehicles on European road, but with responsibility for 25 per cent of all emissions,” he said.

The planned refineries will also process biodegradable waste to extract CO2, which will be sold to the drinks industry. The remaining bio-gas can then be used for the transport sector or injected into the gas network, with a third product, fertiliser, that can be returned to farmers for use on their lands.

Currently, there are four publicly available CNG/Bio-CNG stations in Ireland and a small number of private ones. Research undertaken by 2050 Group estimates that close to 50 stations would be able to supply 80 per cent of the fuel needs for HGVs. The company is currently looking at developing up to 20 stations itself, in order to speed up the availability of bio-CNG gas for transportation.

2050 Group already has a Bio-CNG fuelled delivery truck contracted to Spar owner BWG Foods. Ennis said HGVs can run at a cost of €0.43 per km, versus diesel with a 10 per cent biofuel blend, which costs €0.76 per km.

“Ireland per capita has the most amount of agricultural waste that can be turned into fuel in Europe, but we’ve probably done least to take advantage of this. In other countries, there have been moves towards using Bio-CNG for fuelling trucks, but we’ve not followed. We have a huge opportunity, and I’m determined to lead the way in addressing this,” Ennis said.

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BP and BOC eyeing UK hydrogen refuelling network for HGVs

Linda Stewart — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 09:00:58 +0000

BP and gas supplier BOC are looking into developing a hydrogen refuelling network in the UK for heavy duty transport to help the sector cut carbon emissions.

The decision follows completion of a detailed joint feasibility study which provided technical insights into requirements and options for hydrogen distribution, station design considerations, and dispensing costs for heavy duty transport applications.

The study concluded that, in the near term, distribution of hydrogen as compressed gas via road trailer is the best option to stimulate the UK market for hydrogen fuel for heavy duty transport.

Over the longer term, as the market expands into new areas, both liquid and gaseous hydrogen have potential to play a role.

The two companies said they are now exploring opportunities to collaborate to design and deploy an initial network for heavy duty transport hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in the UK.

Reducing emissions from heavy duty transportation can make an important contribution to meeting the UK’s climate goals. Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) make up 5% of vehicle miles, but were responsible for producing about 16% of UK road transport tailpipe emissions in 2019.

Richard Harding, senior vice president portfolio and integration at BP, said: “Our customers in hard-to-abate sectors, such as heavy-duty transport, are demanding low carbon alternative fuels. They need and want to decarbonise. Cutting HGV emissions requires new infrastructure, and by bringing together our technical expertise, understanding of the supply chain, and insights from our customers, I am confident that together we can do more to drive change at pace for our customers.”

Jim Mercer, business president of BOC UK & Ireland, said: “If we are to meet net zero targets, tackling road freight emissions needs to happen now. This study shows us the optimal ways in which hydrogen can be used to help decarbonise the UK freight sector and BOC is proud to bring its extensive experience and expertise to this collaboration with BP, as we look at opportunities to deliver a hydrogen refuelling network for the UK’s heavy goods vehicle market.”

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Lidl launches new EV and HVO vehicles into Irish fleet

Linda Stewart — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 09:05:18 +0000

Lidl has launched the rollout of its first electrical truck and hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) heavy goods vehicle (HGV) into its logistics fleet.
The pilot scheme will see the sustainably powered vehicles join Lidl’s logistic fleet at its Newbridge Regional Distribution Centre.It marks the start of the retailer’s transition from fossil fuel commercial vehicles to more environmentally friendly vehicles.

Lidl also said the move furthers its commitment to becoming a carbon neutral business by 2025, alongside the ongoing journey to a 46% reduction in its operational emissions by 2030.

This move is a first in the Irish food retail industry in conjunction with refrigerated delivery suppliers Zellwood.

The introduction of the new trucks is the initial step to a larger rollout across Lidl’s logistics fleet that deliver to its four distribution centres and over 200 Lidl stores throughout the island of Ireland, on a daily basis.

Lidl Ireland’s logistics fleet covered more than 16.8 million kilometres last year – equivalent to 21 return trips to the moon.

It said the HVO vehicle will reduce emissions by 90% per trip by using 100% renewable fuel, which is produced by the hydrotreatment of vegetable oil that create a fuel product with the same chemical structure as diesel.

Robert Ryan, Chief Operating Officer, Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said the company was delighted to be the first retailer in Ireland to incorporate positive change by use of these environmentally friendly haulage trucks into its logistics fleet.

“Not only does it accelerate our journey to cleaner roads, but in turn with the soaring cost of fossil fuels like diesel it will keep prices down for our customers. We are looking forward to the journey ahead to scale up adaption across our entire fleet aligning to our sustainable environmental commitments and goals,” Mr Ryan added.

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Planning application submitted for huge new £7.2m service station in Derry

Linda Stewart — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 09:21:02 +0000

Plans for a £7.2m service station on the A6 in Co Derry could soon be set to go before local council planners.
Ambitious plans for the huge new service station were originally unveiled in July 2020, but W&J Chambers Ltd has now submitted the plans to Derry City and Strabane District Council.
The current proposal includes a filling station, car wash, cafe, restaurant, shop, tourist information, toilets, and ATM, along with an amenity and picnic area, and sufficient parking for cars, caravans and motorhomes, coaches and HGV lorries.
If approved, the new station will be based beside the Lismacarol Roundabout in Drumahoe.
The major application has the potential to generate 80 construction jobs while representing an investment in the Drumahoe area of £7.2million, according to the developers.
A retail assessment submitted to the council’s planning department said: “The scheme will provide a main building providing a mix of retail sales for the service station and six franchise hot food and café units including a drive-thru facility. Public toilets and seating areas (internal and external) are provided.
“The shop associated with this facility sells goods that long-distance travellers use. It will sell confectionery, crisps, soft drinks, cigarettes, magazines, books, maps, packaged sandwiches and salads, traybakes, lottery tickets and essential toiletries.
“The internal seating area provides 208 seats and circulation area and extends to about 624 sq m.
“Public toilets are provided at the ground floor for the public to use and two accessible/baby changing toilets are provided. Driver showers are provided in the toilets.”
The retail assessment also revealed that teh ground floor will include a tourist information area and ATM machine.
“Stairs and a lift provide access to the first floor. On the first floor will be a 12 sq m coffee area with soft seating and tables. It will also provide an indoor soft play area for children alongside four-driver showers and an accessible toilet,” it said.
“The forecourt will comprise a large canopy above six islands providing multiple pumps. Adjacent to the pumps is a car wash and a car maintenance area providing air and water. The forecourt has parking for five cars, one parent and child space and 3 disabled parking spaces.
“The main car park has five e-charging points and four more disabled parking spaces. It also has 4 parent and child parking spaces. There are circa 193 surface level car parking spaces, provided in the main car parking area.
“Beyond that, there are eight coach car parking spaces, nine caravan and motorhome parking spaces, one caravan e-charging point and a Motorhome ServicePoint (this is an area where water, toilet emptying, bins and greywater can be disposed of).
“To the rear of the site is a Gas Storage Compound, an HGV fuelling point and 10 HGV parking spaces.”
The plans can be viewed at Northern Ireland’s planning portal by searching LA11/2020/0486/O.

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PRA urges UK Chancellor to cut fuel duty, warning NI retailers will lose out

Linda Stewart — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 10:59:12 +0000

The Petrol Retailers Association has urged the UK Chancellor to cut fuel duty, warning that retailers in Northern Ireland are being put at a disadvantage.
Global energy prices are still volatile due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, unduly impacting consumers at the same time as cost-of-living increases, the PRA says.
The PRA is calling on the Chancellor to follow the example of other European countries and cut fuel duty to shield consumers from international events.
The Republic of Ireland (ROI) has cut fuel duty, putting forecourts in Northern Ireland (NI) at a competitive disadvantage as motorists and fleet operators cross the border to fill their tanks.
Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the PRA said: “It is crucial that the Government takes steps to reduce the burden of energy prices on consumers. Government inaction is now impacting our members in NI, who are unable to match the prices of their counterparts across the border. We strongly urge the Chancellor to follow the example of other European countries and cut fuel duty.”
In a letter to the Chancellor, the PRA warned: “We expect that NI residents that can take advantage of the significant difference in pump prices across the border will do so and heavy goods vehicles (HGV) operators will be sending their fleets in greater numbers to ROI border sites to replenish their vehicles, reducing demand for petrol filling stations in NI and hampering their ability to continue their operation through no fault of their own.
“This is putting our NI members at a competitive disadvantage, as it is impossible to match prices across the border without Government intervention.
“While the ROI, along with other European countries, has taken significant steps to shield their consumers and businesses from soaring energy prices, the UK is yet to act. At a time when cost-of-living is increasing, rising energy prices are something motorists in this country can’t afford.
“This will impact the poorest among us the hardest as they are slowly priced off the roads. The need for Government action is urgent. With no end to the Ukraine crisis in sight it falls upon the Government to shield its population. The continued absence of action will have a detrimental impact on UK consumers.”

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