Retail giant Asda has unveiled plans to further expand its Bio-LNG (liquefied natural gas) infrastructure with the addition of two new refuelling stations. The facilities, located in Warrington and Dartford, UK, represent the retailer’s ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions across its logistics operations.
The new refuelling stations, developed in collaboration with fuel provider Gasrec bring Asda’s total number of BioLNG stations to thirteen. These strategically positioned sites across the UK support the company’s fleet of over 780 LNG-powered trucks, which is currently the largest in the UK.
BioLNG is emerging as a low-carbon alternative to traditional diesel fuel, making it a crucial component of Asda’s strategy to decarbonise its operations. The company has set ambitious sustainability targets, including achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040.
John Rogerson, Central Fleet Operations Manager at Asda, spoke on the importance of LNG technology in the company’s journey toward cleaner operations. “LNG trucks are currently the leading alternative fuel option for operators like ourselves,” he said.
“With over 780 LNG vehicles, we operate the largest fleet of LNG-fuelled trucks in the UK. Our continued investment in a UK-wide LNG distribution network forms an essential part of our objective to reduce overall carbon emissions across our operations.”
In its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, the retailer announced that it had reduced its operational carbon emissions (scope 1 & 2) by 41% since 2015. The company has set a goal to reduce emissions by 50% by 2025.
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James Westcott, Chief Commercial Officer at Gasrec, praised Asda’s proactive approach to emissions reduction. “We have forged a strong relationship with Asda, and it’s a real pleasure to be able to deliver these two latest facilities for them,” he said.
“Asda understands the urgency in cutting emissions from its fleet, and BioLNG remains a leading alternative to diesel for long-haul operations.”
Earlier this year, the retailer announced a sustainability-linked enhancement to its Supply Chain Finance scheme in partnership with HSBC UK. The initiative, set to launch in January 2025, will offer financial incentives to encourage better sustainability practices within its supply chain.
BioLNG in the UK and Europe
BioLNG (liquefied natural gas) offers a cleaner alternative to diesel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle, according to the European Biogas Association.
Companies like Asda, John Lewis, and Waitrose have adopted BioLNG trucks to decarbonise their operations. Gasrec, a key BioLNG supplier, reports a growing demand for refuelling stations across the country, reflecting industry efforts to reduce reliance on diesel.
Several key BioLNG projects have recently been launched across Europe. In the UK, RenEco and Nordsol are set to open the country’s first BioLNG plant in early 2024, producing over 3.4 kilotons of BioLNG annually, capable of supporting over eight million miles of carbon-neutral road transport.
In the Netherlands, Attero and Nordsol’s facility in Wilp, opened in September 2024, aims to convert household waste into BioLNG and liquid CO2, providing fuel for heavy road and maritime transport while reducing CO2 emissions.
Repsol has also started supplying BioLNG to Brittany Ferries in Spain, marking the first maritime BioLNG bunkering in the region.
