Tesco Ireland, supported by DHL Supply Chain, is enhancing its environmental sustainability with 50 new biomethane trucks.
- These trucks mark a significant reduction in carbon emissions, replacing diesel units and reducing emissions by up to 90%.
- The biomethane fuel is sourced from anaerobic digestion plants, demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy.
- These vehicles have a range of 700 km, efficient for nationwide deliveries across Ireland.
- Leaders from both organisations express optimism about the future of sustainable transport initiatives.
Tesco Ireland is taking a bold step towards environmental sustainability with the introduction of 50 biomethane-fuelled trucks, operated by DHL Supply Chain. These trucks will transport goods from Dublin distribution centres to stores across the country, replacing older diesel models and aimed at cutting tailpipe carbon emissions by up to 90%. This initiative aligns with both Tesco’s and DHL’s strategies to significantly reduce carbon footprints, setting an example for the retail and transport sectors.
The renewable biomethane fuel powering these trucks is sourced from Irish and European anaerobic digestion plants. This choice highlights a commitment to sustainable, green energy solutions and supports local and European renewable fuel industries. These trucks are refuelled at a dedicated BioCNG station in north Dublin, operated by Flogas, solidifying the infrastructure needed for cleaner commercial transport.
With an impressive range of 700 kilometres on a full tank, these trucks can efficiently handle deliveries to any of Tesco’s 177 stores in Ireland without needing to refuel. Each vehicle completes around 15 to 20 delivery loads per week, illustrating the practical integration of sustainable practices in daily logistics operations. This advancement is part of a broader Green Transport Policy from DHL, which envisions 30% of its fleet running on alternative fuels by 2026.
This ambitious project is not only a milestone for Tesco and DHL but also for the entirety of Irish commercial transport. David O’Neill, Director at DHL Supply Chain, stated, “This is such an important project to demonstrate the role biomethane can play in Irish commercial transport and a significant step towards decarbonising Tesco’s fleet.”
The strategic move has been acknowledged by various stakeholders, including the Irish Government, as a step forward in addressing road transport emissions, which account for 20% of Ireland’s total road emissions. Ger Counihan of Tesco Ireland mentioned the extensive preparation involved in this transition, emphasising the reduced carbon emissions resulting from this fleet’s energy switch.
This collaboration between Tesco and DHL represents a critical leap towards sustainable transport in Ireland.
