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In the last quarter of 2023 in the UK, we observed a high demand for HGVs across the entire economy. The national market’s demand for HGVs finally returned to pre-pandemic levels as the number of articulated lorries grew by 23.3% (5,121 units) compared to the same time in 2022.
Increasing numbers of HGVs will affect many areas of our economy, but one particular concern is the environmental impact of this rise; with more vehicles creating more emissions, it’s easy to assume that such growth will counteract any success we’ve had in creating green fleets. Fortunately, there are ways to maintain your fleet’s sustainability whilst adding more vehicles to your collection. Read on to learn more.
What Sustainable Fuel Sources Can be Stored Onsite?
Diesel is the primary fuel source businesses store in our range of bunded fuel tanks, but there are more options to explore when improving your business’s environmental impact, such as AdBlue, HVO and GTL.
AdBlue Storage
AdBlue is a substance designed to reduce the harmful nitrogen oxide (NOX) from diesel engine emissions and works in conjunction with a treatment system called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). This liquid is stored in a separate tank in the vehicle and storage site and needs specialised AdBlue pumps to dispense it. When in use, it is injected into the vehicle’s exhaust to create a chemical reaction that converts NOX into harmless water and nitrogen.
HVO Storage
Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is a renewable biofuel that’s diesel-like but made from hydrogenation and hydrocracking of unwanted organic stock such as tall oil, rapeseed oil, waste cooking oil or animal fats. HVO is currently the most popular choice of biofuel as it is used in existing diesel engines without any required modifications.
GTL Storage
Gas-to-liquid (GTL) is manufactured by converting natural gas into a liquid fuel. This synthetic and cleaner burning alternative is an improved concept over the traditional system of using crude oil to create diesel fuel. Similar to HVO, this fuel is designed to be used in existing diesel engines without the need for modification.
The finished liquid product can be stored in secure bunded fuel tanks and used like traditional diesel but with a colourless, odourless, and more eco-friendly result.
These greener options are incredibly beneficial to fleets as they improve their environmental impact. Still, they are unfortunately limited in their effectiveness unless they are a part of a local fuel management system.
Benefits of Onsite HVO Storage Infrastructure for Commercial Fleets
Onsite fuel storage solutions offer practical solutions to many challenges associated with fuel efficiency. Here are the main elements you’ll need to create your own onsite fuel infrastructure:
Our proficiency with monitoring solutions spans the entire range of fuel systems, such as:
By investing in and combining this equipment, commercial fleets easily reduce their fuel consumption and costs. As a result, the lower emissions compensate for the increased number of vehicles in your fleet. Gaining full control over your fleet’s fuel and eliminating the need for forecourt refuelling provides managers the opportunity to optimise their drivers’ routes; by doing so, even when using environmentally friendly HVO, they can limit fuel use on a daily basis and generate significant savings with their wholesale purchased fuel.
Royal Mail Announces Conversion to HVO Fleet
One of the most significant statements in support of onsite HVO infrastructures for fleets is the continued work to decarbonise their extensive fleet with HVO. The work for this amazing improvement for their larger HGVs was first announced in the summer of 2023, and they have seen outstanding success over the past six months, leading to a significant drop in carbon emissions in this department company-wide.
This transition is in response to the difficulties revealed by EV technology in 2023. Many vehicle and battery manufacturers were forced to slow down EV production due to various factors, such as the scarcity of vital materials. This had a massive impact on several sectors that use fleets, as their planned transitions were delayed or even cancelled, forcing new approaches to be taken, such as investing in HVO.
The Sheffield mail centre, the Midlands super hub, and the Manchester vehicle operating centre were the first sites where the Royal Mail decided to start this transition to HVO, with many other locations being converted later.
This success is being attributed to fuel management systems like the ones we described previously. With very little change to their existing fuel storage infrastructure, they are now heading toward a carbon reduction plan that will reduce their emissions by 200,000 tonnes a year. Additionally, when combined with their local storage, they have already saved one million litres of diesel, with an estimated total of 2.1 million by the summer. This makes the Royal Mail the greenest choice for deliveries in the UK, something that will heavily influence an eco-conscious brand’s choice of delivery company.
Tailored Fuel Management Systems for Growing Fleets
Decarbonising our nation’s fleets is one of the most important goals of our industry, but as we’ve seen in the past year with businesses like the Royal Mail, there are various ways to meet it. Many businesses are already aware of the environmental advantages of biofuels and the financial benefits of accessing wholesale fuel with local fuel management. But it is only recently becoming apparent how much they are both improved when combined with HVO onsite storage.
We predict that most commercial fleets will choose this easy reduction to their carbon emissions thanks to the minimal investment required to bring biofuels and additives to their commercial fleets, especially if they already have a compatible bunded diesel tank with a pump. Contact us today to find out what your commercial fleet needs to benefit from the advantages of HVO long-term.
For more information on Onsite HVO Storage In Response to the HGV Rise talk to Fueltek Ltd