Logistics UK is calling for the UK government to take urgent action to support the use of low carbon fuels as a way to accelerate the UK’s decarbonisation strategy.
The call follows the announcement last week by Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood of the roll out of 54 new charging and hydrogen refuelling hubs for zero emission HGVs.
Logistics UK welcomed the initiative but called on the government to also get behind low carbon fuels to help hauliers cut their emissions quickly.
Michelle Gardner, Logistics UK deputy director pf policy, said: “Logistics UK members are fully committed to decarbonising, and many are already trialling or have adopted alternative fuels and technologies to help achieve net zero.
“The industry is technology neutral in its approach and will adopt any solution that is operationally and commercially viable.
“However, significant barriers remain on the journey to net zero for all transport modes, and it must be recognised that it will take considerable time for zero emission technologies to be fully adopted and integrated into the logistics system.”
She added: “While the new charging and refuelling hubs for HGVs are welcome, infrastructure will be needed at scale to keep our industry and the goods we deliver moving across the country and around the world.
“Given this, urgent support must be given to the more rapidly and production of low carbon fuels (LCFs) across logistics transport.
“While the long-term goal is zero emission technologies, LCFs can play a key role in the interim. Fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) can be used in diesel engines without any modifications meaning the industry could effectively reduce carbon emissions by 80% overnight.”
