Which sustainable fuels are available and which one should I choose?

Posted on

01/07/2024

Category

Blogs, English News, News

With the increasing focus on sustainability and the urgent need to reduce CO2 emissions, it’s time for shippers and carriers to switch to sustainable fuels for their road transport. But what options are available, and how do you choose the right fuel for your fleet?

Which sustainable fuels are there? 

Currently, there are several sustainable fuels available for heavy road transport:

  • Bio-LNG: liquefied, non-fossil biogas derived from organic material, such as sludge or manure. For more details, read our blog “Bio-LNG: What is it and what are its advantages and disadvantages compared to diesel?” To use Bio-LNG, you need an LNG truck.
  • HVO: Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil is, as the name implies, 100% plant-based. It can be used in most diesel trucks (from EURO 6 onwards).
  • Green Electricity: Is actually not a fuel, but an alternative to it. Trucks are charged with green electricity from solar and wind power.
  • Green Hydrogen: This is produced from water through electrolysis, using sustainable electricity from solar and wind power.

What are the differences between these sustainable fuels?

When choosing the right fuel, there are several factors to consider: the development stage of the trucks, the development stage of the fuel, the size of the refueling network, prices, level of CO2 reduction, and future outlook.

Fuel Development stage of the required trucksDevelopment stage of the fuelSize of the truck refueling network or charging stations Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) = Total cost per kilometer – compared to dieselExtent of CO2 reduction compared to diesel
Bio-LNGHighly availableReadily availableDense networkCompetitive with dieselReduction up to 200% possible
HVO Highly availableReadily availableDense networkSurcharge on diesel priceReduction up to 90% possible
Green ElectricityModerately availableModerately availableLimited coverageHigher than diesel100% CO2 reduction
Green hydrogenHardly availableHardly availableLimited coverageMuch higher than diesel90% CO2 reduction

Conclusion: Bio-LNG stands out. The source is available, trucks capable of running on Bio-LNG are on the market, and fuel prices are affordable, comparable to diesel. Moreover, the CO2 reduction from Bio-LNG production to combustion in the truck engine (well-to-wheel) is very significant compared to the other three renewable fuels. Through the use of Bio-LNG it’s possible to generate negative emissions, leading to potential CO2 reduction of up to 200%. Negative emissions occur when manure is used as a raw material for Bio-LNG production. Currently, manure is typically spread on fields as necessary fertilizer for soil and crops, releasing methane directly into the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas emission!

Bio-LNG vrachtwagen

However, in Rolande’s Bio-LNG facilities, we first extract methane from the manure, and then we produce Bio-LNG from this methane. The remaining residue, known as digestate, is returned to farmers as a soil enhancer. This way, methane emissions on the land are avoided. Since methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2, and its emissions throughout the cycle are avoided, this results in negative emissions; we have actively avoided the release of harmful methane. A win-win situation! Check your emission reporting guidance how to report these emissions.

Conclusion – Which choice should I make?

The future of sustainable heavy road transport appears diverse. Investments in green technologies and infrastructure are expected to increase, driven by both government policies and market demand. Innovations in battery technology, hydrogen production, and biofuels are likely to improve the efficiency and accessibility of these fuels. The choice of a sustainable fuel depends on the specific needs of your organization. Consider the following points:

Type and scale of transport

Short urban routes are ideal for electric trucks, whereas long-distance transport can benefit more from Bio-LNG.

Legislation and regulations:

Are there zero-emission zones (ZE zones), future CO2 levies, or subsidies that impact the sustainability of your fleet?

Infrastructure availability

Check the availability of charging and refueling stations along your routes.

Budget and CO2 reduction

Analyze the total cost of ownership (TCO), including subsidies and potential tax benefits, and compare this with the CO2 reduction achievable with different fuels.

By carefully considering all these factors, you can make an informed decision that benefits both the environment and your business operations and future growth. Comparing the options gives you a clear overview of which fuel suits your situation best. Our onepager helps you in this process. Heavy road transport can indeed become carbon-neutral, and every step we take is a step in the right direction!

We hope the information above has given you a better understanding of Bio-LNG. If you’re curious to dive deeper or have specific questions, we’re here to help! To stay updated on Bio-LNG and all its exciting developments, subscribe to our newsletter or explore more of our blog articles.

If you’re looking for specific Bio-LNG offers or want a free calculation of how much CO2 your truck fleet can save, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service. We’re happy to assist you!