Heavy goods vehicles keep the UK moving, but they are also one of the hardest parts of transport to decarbonise.

For the largest trucks carrying heavy loads over long distances, electric solutions are not yet practical, and uptake remains low.

Through the Green Gas Task Force, we worked with the Low Carbon Truck Consultancy on a research project to explore biomethane as a more immediate solution. We brought together real-world data, operator insight and market analysis to understand whether biomethane could help cut emissions from the heaviest trucks.

The research found that biomethane is already being used across parts of the haulage sector, with vehicles, fuelling stations and supply chains in place. Biomethane works well for long-distance routes, requires minimal changes to operations and can be scaled up quickly using existing infrastructure.

Project Manager, Ryan Prince, explains: “Our research clearly shows that biomethane could reduce emissions from these vehicles by over 80% compared to diesel, while also offering a lower cost. There are 3,250 biomethane HGVs on the road today, with around 40 refuelling stations that can take advantage of an expanded gas grid. By using biomethane, we can decarbonise 50% of the 44-tonne HGV market by 2050 without impacting payload, range or performance.”

This research paper is now being used to inform discussions with government and industry, helping to build the case for policy support and wider adoption of biomethane in HGVs. Biomethane cuts emissions now while technologies and infrastructure continue to develop. By setting out a clear, evidence-based pathway, our project highlights how biomethane can accelerate decarbonisation in a sector where it’s urgently needed.