Tesco Ireland has taken delivery of 50 biomethane-fuelled trucks which will operate across its country-wide distribution network as part of the retailer’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint.
Biomethane is a renewable energy source which offers a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
The new trucks will immediately replace 50 diesel units, to cut down tailpipe emissions by up to 90%.
Tesco’s transport partner DHL will operate the biomethane fleet.
The fleet will transport goods to stores across Ireland from its distribution centres in Dublin.
The renewable fuel for the trucks will come from Irish and European anaerobic digestion plants, and the trucks will refuel at the newly opened BioCNG refuelling station operated by Flogas at nearby St Margaret’s in north Dublin.
Each truck has a range capacity of 700km on a full tank, which allows Tesco to reach any of its 177 stores and return without needing to refuel.
Every vehicle will complete an average of 15 to 20 truckloads of store deliveries across the country each week, from Leterkenny to Dublin.
‘Play Their Part’
Speaking from Tesco’s distribution centre in Donabate, the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage Darragh O'Brien said, “The commitment by Tesco to introduce 50 biomethane trucks into their national fleet is very welcome news.
“Ireland’s road haulage sector makes up 20% of the total road transport emissions in Ireland, so it is incumbent on companies like Tesco with their partners DHL, to play their part in helping to drive down our overall carbon emissions.”
On the switch to biomethane, Tesco Ireland Retail & Distribution Director Ger Counihan said, “Our network is one of the most sophisticated distribution networks in the country.
“More than 1,800 journeys are made from our distribution centres every week to our 177 stores.
“We have worked hard with DHL to prepare for the switch from diesel to biomethane trucks, and this move to cleaner energy will reduce the carbon emissions create by this fleet considerably.”
DHL Supply Chain’s David O’Neill said, “This project is a great example of our Green Transport Policy, guiding the transition of30% of our own fleet to a green alternative by the end of 2026, an important enabler in achieving our sustainability goals.”
Tesco Ireland’s head of sustainability Andy McGregor added, “This is a significant moment in our journey towards decarbonising our business.
“Transitioning to biomethane from diesel will significantly reduce our transport emissions and is an important step towards reaching our goal of net zero emissions across scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2050.”
Read More: DHL Supply Chain Invests €80m In Biomethane-Fuelled Trucks, Joins Forces With Tesco
