Aggregate Industries cement tanker in UK biofuel first

Bulk tanker fuelled by hydrotreated vegetable oil deployed as part of Lafarge Cement business

AGGREGATE Industries have taken delivery of a next-generation cement tanker fuelled by a green biofuel in a UK first. Working with logistical partners Lomas Distribution, the 30-tonne bulk tanker is fuelled by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and has been deployed as part of Aggregate Industries’ Lafarge Cement business.

HVO is part of the paraffinic family of fuels and is a fossil-free alternative to mineral diesel, resulting in up to a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It is made by taking waste cooking and frying oil from the food industry and hydrotreating it at a plant to create HVO.

As well as producing a huge carbon reduction, HVO produces less nitrous oxide and particulate matter when used in combustion engines. It also acts as a direct drop-in replacement for diesel with no need for modifications.

The truck, which joins the existing fleet of 50 Lafarge Cement vehicles, will operate out of Cauldon cement plant in the Staffordshire Moorlands and work across cement operations in the Midlands and North West.

The use of alternative fuels such as HVO is a central pillar in Aggregate Industries’ ambitious Journey to Net Zero strategy, which aims to decarbonize the business and achieve net zero before 2050.

Matt Owen, supply chain manager in Aggregate Industries’ cement division, said: ‘The benefits of using HVO are there for all to see. Being able to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% is huge for us, alongside the reduction in things like nitrous oxide. Also, HVO is a direct drop-in replacement for diesel so is easy to switch to. We are trialling the vehicle and will be monitoring and evaluating its performance and its emissions.

‘We are already using HVO in our loading shovels at our three cement dockside terminals at Glasgow, Ellesmere and Chatham, and are planning to introduce more HVO-fuelled vehicles over the year. The cement division has also recently taken an electric cement truck on trial working with Lomas.’

Luke Olly, carbon and energy manager at Aggregate Industries, said: ‘This is a fantastic step forward as we look to accelerate our journey to net zero. Our aim as a company is to reduce unblended gas oil usage by more than 90% by 2035. HVO offers us one of a number of opportunities to do this. It is circular in nature as it starts out as raw material derived from plants and we are effectively reusing waste after it has been used in the food industry.

‘We have plans to increase alternative ways to fuel our vehicles and plant equipment, whether that is through HVO, electric or hydrogen, and we look forward to rolling these out across the business over the coming years.’