DHL have invested 80 million euros into Stream Bioenergy in order to switch to biomethane fuelled trucks.

 

Stream Bioenergy runs a production facility committed to producing biomethane, situated in Cork, Ireland. DHL chose this facility because the gas grids available to the company in this location do not need any infrastructure development or extra work done to them. They are already equipped for the production of biomethane as a fuel product. Furthermore, biomethane has the ability to be carbon-neutral and it is also flexible, cost-effective and is consequently a prime material to use as an alternative to everyday fuel. The overall outcome of using biomethane as a fuel source instead of regular fuel, is that it will help to decarbonise commercial road transport, meaning that through the greener manufacturing techniques to be used at the facility, the DHL trucks will have the ability to be more environmentally friendly and more sustainable.

 

The investment DHL is making, will enable fuel to be supplied for up to 150 trucks, with an estimated annual carbon reduction of 15,000 tons, the equivalent of more than 38 million miles driven by a regular petrol-powered passenger vehicle. Part of these 150 trucks will come from DHL’s partnership with Tesco who have granted DHL access to 92 trucks which they will locally fuel with biomethane.

 

The biomethane will be produced at the production site, run by Stream Bioenergy, and it plans to save and process 90,000 tons of industry and consumer food waste per year, which would have gone to landfill if not saved and used. This portrays that the partnership and investment are incredibly important and necessary steps towards greener manufacturing in the fuel industry, which will lead to decarbonisation of vehicles and a more sustainable and greener future.

 

Ciaran Foley, Managing director of DHL Supply Chain, Ireland, commented, "We are extremely proud to be enhancing renewable energy production here in Ireland and our collaboration with Tesco marks a significant step in our shared journey towards achieving net-zero emissions. Our customers' transport networks are a vital focus area when looking at how they can achieve their overall sustainability goals so by making alternative fuels a reality we can really prove our value as a strategic partner."

Tesco Ireland's retail and distribution director, Ian Logan said, "We have one of the most sophisticated distribution networks in the country, and improving its efficiency and environmental impact will play an important role in our journey to net zero. Our current HGV transport fleet makes over 2,000 trips weekly, serving our growing network of 166 stores nationwide, so moving to a cleaner fuel in our value chain will play a vital role in achieving this. DHL's credentials in leveraging renewable transport solutions are complimented by our own strong commitment to embracing sustainable practices and driving down our emissions. We are both committed to promoting collective environmental objectives; and to advance our ambition to achieve net zero in our value chain by 2050, and indeed in our own operations by 2035."