Sustainable Vehicle Transport

The Sustainable Vehicle Transport project assessed the feasibility of using biomethane-derived compressed natural gas (bio-CNG) as a lower-carbon transport fuel for operational vehicle fleets, while also considering the future potential for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. The project examined viable locations for a pilot refuelling facility, reviewed available refuelling technologies and delivery models, assessed vehicle suitability, evaluated economic performance, and developed a roadmap for potential future deployment.

The study concluded that a bio-CNG trial is technically feasible and can provide substantial greenhouse gas emissions reductions, particularly in vehicle segments where electrification remains challenging due to range, payload, or onboard power requirements. The work also demonstrated that mature refuelling technologies and commercial delivery models already exist in the market, reducing technical implementation risk.

A key finding was that project viability is influenced less by technology readiness and more by practical considerations such as fuel demand, utilisation rates, planning requirements, land availability, and utility connections. The project therefore provided a structured evidence base to inform future investment decisions and potential progression to site-specific feasibility assessments and detailed business case development.