With the benefits of Low Emission Zones in question and tackling air pollution in UK cities high on the government agenda, there has never been a better time for local authorities and heavy duty vehicle operators to join companies like John Lewis and Argos and opt for natural gas as a fuel for their fleets.

Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) offer clear advantages over diesel powered vehicles, particularly in air quality with ultra- low levels of particulates and NOx emissions. Noise levels are much reduced too allowing for potential night deliveries.

Organisations from across the industry met last week at NGV Day, held at the National Motorcycle Museum, to debate how best to engage with government to achieve the low emission targets and help commercial fleet managers and local authorities make the switch to Natural Gas Vehicles.

The industry conference was organised by the NGV Network, a pioneering, cross industry collaboration that is raising awareness of the benefits of natural gas as a fuel for trucks and buses.  More work is now needed to drive the industry forward, support growth in the sector and achieve results in reducing emissions.  

One key development is the construction of a Compressed Natural Gas refuelling station in Leyland to provide services to John Lewis Partnership. CNG Fuels Limited, CNG Services Limited and National Grid are working together on the project that will enable John Lewis Partnership to run its fleet of trucks on 100% renewable biomethane.   John Baldwin, Director of CNG Fuels and Managing Director of CNG Services commented “The NGV Network has really kick started the industry with more companies following the lead of John Lewis Partnership and starting to think about switching to Natural Gas Vehicles. The new station will make the most of the existing £10 billion gas grid in the UK and help in the shift towards a greener transport industry.”

At the industry conference, Paul Ocholla, Commercial Development Officer, National Grid Grain LNG commented:  “It is essential for those in the industry to invest and get the infrastructure in place to support a wide scale switch to gas vehicles across commercial fleets and public service vehicles.  National Grid Grain LNG is ready to support the current and future markets with its state of the art Truck Loading Facility which goes live in November 2015.  As a Network, we also need to take steps to educate key influencers on the benefits of gas vehicles to ensure they are considered as a viable alternative to diesel.  It is essential that we market the right messages, collaborate where the industry would benefit and embrace competition to increase choices and security of supply in order to push opportunities for NGVs.”

James Goodson, LNG National Sales Manager at Flogas, a natural gas supplier commented: “It’s great to see so many people here today in support of the NGV Network, a real credit to how much has been achieved in such a short space of time.  I hope it serves to spark off more interest in NGVs across the commercial and public sectors so we can really start making a difference.”

With a consultation into air quality currently underway and in view of the government commitment to publish a plan to improve air quality by the end of this year, it is essential that they consider NGVs as a viable alternative to diesel for heavy duty vehicles, support growth in the NGV sector and reduce the impact poor air quality is having on the health of those living in our cities. 

For more information on the aims of the Natural Gas Network and recent success stories please visit www.ngvnetwork.co.uk  or contact lucy.ritchie@euskills.co.uk