Retailer plans dual fuel fleet rollout

Date: 31/1/2012

Nisa Today's is to begin operating dual fuel vehicles from its distribution centre in North Lincolnshire in a bid to bring down the carbon footprint of its operations.

The firm, which supplies franchised convenience stores carrying the same name, has applied for planning permission to construct a bio-methane fuel station at its site in Scunthorpe.

It says transport costs will be cut by installing two 20-tonne steel tanks for holding the fuel, as well as ancillary equipment.

Bio-methane, which is created by the breakdown of organic materials such as food waste, is an alternative to electricity for fleets looking to operate vehicles running on renewables and is one option that could be explored as firms seek to offset the rising cost of petrol and improve their green credentials.

Electric commercial vehicles are another alternative and the government recently extended its plug-in grant to apply to vans to encourage adoption of the technology, a move that has been welcomed by Dr Ben Lane of Next Green Car.

Posted by Nick Anderson