Gregory Distribution opens bio-LNG refuelling station at Devon hub

Gregory Distribution has installed its first bio-LNG refuelling station at its Cullompton depot.

In 2020, the company began a trial to test the suitability of bio-LNG to replace its diesel fleet and this involved running seven Volvo FH LNG 6x2 tractor units in Bristol and Magor.

This had been successful, it said, so it has installed the station, owned and operated by Gasrec, to fuel an additional 13 Volvo FHs.

Paul Jefferson, Gregory Distribution group legal, risk and sustainability director, said: “The transition to alternative fuels is a key part of our long-term strategy and this new facility is a continuation on that journey.

“The technology has come on leaps and bounds in the past 12 months and the feedback from the drivers on the Volvo trucks has been hugely positive.

“The one challenge we have faced with LNG has been the infrastructure; but now with the help of Gasrec, we are taking control of our destiny by getting this facility on our own site.

“It’s a major step forward.”

Gasrec said bio-LNG trucks can return CO2 savings of 95% and deliver a 99% reduction in particulates and 90% in NO2 emissions compared to equivalent Euro-6 diesel trucks.

James Westcott, Gasrec chief commercial officer, said: “We have installed a pumped mobile refuelling station which we use to seed new locations where we want to get bio-LNG into an area quickly.

“The plan is to get a more permanent refuelling station at Cullompton, but the fast-moving nature of this industry requires a flexible approach.”