Supermarket chain Asda has invested in two new LNG refuelling sites (facilities allowing refuelling with bio-liquefied natural gas) – located in Warrington and Dartford.
Working alongside Gasrec – a major fuel provider for commercial vehicles in the UK – Asda has added the new LNG refuelling options to the 11 existing fully operational stations it already operates around the UK.
Through the new infrastructure, Asda will continue its efforts to decarbonise its operations – no easy task, of course, especially considering it acquired forecourts business EG Group’s UK and Ireland arm in October 2023, which included taking on 356 petrol filling stations as part of the deal.
John Rogerson, central fleet operations manager at Asda, commented: “LNG trucks are currently the leading alternative fuel option for operators like ourselves and 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, and towards building a sustainable business for the future.”
James Westcott, chief commercial officer of Gasrec, added: “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, as they continue to expand their growing gas fleet and invest in a cleaner and greener fuel source.
“As one of the UK’s largest retailers, Asda understands the urgency in the need to cut emissions from its fleet as we all work towards a more sustainable transport sector. Bio-LNG remains a leading alternative to diesel for long-haul operations and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.”
This investment comes after Asda recently launched a new sustainability-linked enhancement to its supply chain finance scheme in partnership with HSBC UK. Set to officially launch in January 2025, the facility will be used by the retailer to establish financial incentives to encourage better sustainability practices from its suppliers.
Read more about Asda on Green Retail World
[image credit: Green Retail World]
