DHL Supply Chain is taking a significant leap toward sustainability with an €80 million investment in biomethane-fuelled trucks and a dedicated biomethane production facility in Cork, Ireland. This initiative, in partnership with Stream BioEnergy and Tesco Ireland, marks a substantial commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing green transportation solutions.
The new biomethane production facility, located in Cork, will be operated by Stream BioEnergy. This cutting-edge facility will not only produce biomethane for DHL Supply Chain’s trucks but also contribute to environmental conservation by processing 90,000 tonnes of industry and consumer food waste annually, diverting it from landfills.
The environmental impact of this project is nothing short of remarkable. It is expected to provide fuel for up to 150 trucks, resulting in an estimated annual reduction of 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. To put this into perspective, it’s equivalent to offsetting the emissions generated by more than 38 million miles driven by an average petrol-powered passenger vehicle.
In a strategic partnership with Tesco Ireland, DHL will initially subsidize biomethane from other sources to support the vehicle roll-out while production capacity at the Cork facility ramps up. Once fully operational, the facility will fuel 92 biomethane trucks, powering Tesco’s extensive country-wide distribution network.
One of the standout features of biomethane is its ability to integrate seamlessly into Ireland’s existing gas grid without the need for costly infrastructural upgrades. Additionally, biomethane’s carbon neutrality makes it a cost-effective and flexible solution for decarbonizing commercial road transport.
Ciaran Foley, Managing Director of DHL Supply Chain Ireland, expressed pride in their contribution to renewable energy production in Ireland. He highlighted the collaboration with Tesco as a significant step toward achieving net-zero emissions. Foley emphasized DHL’s commitment to supporting customers in their sustainability goals, making alternative fuels a tangible reality and demonstrating their value as a strategic partner.
Ian Logan, Retail and Distribution Director of Tesco Ireland, highlighted the importance of improving the efficiency and environmental impact of their sophisticated distribution network. With over 2,000 weekly trips serving 166 stores across the nation, adopting cleaner fuel in their value chain is a vital part of their journey toward net-zero emissions. Tesco shares DHL’s commitment to sustainability, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions in their value chain by 2050 and in their own operations by 2035.
In conclusion, DHL Supply Chain’s €80 million investment in biomethane-fuelled trucks and the Cork biomethane production facility represents a significant stride toward a sustainable, low-carbon future for Ireland’s transportation sector. This collaboration between industry leaders underscores the potential of biomethane as a key player in decarbonizing commercial road transport while reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact.
