Wessex Water sewage and food waste powered trucks set to hit the road
Photo Credit To Wessex Water

Wessex Water sewage and food waste powered trucks set to hit the road

Wessex Water sewage and food waste powered trucks set to hit the road

Wessex Water trucks powered by sewage and food waste are hitting the roads this summer, a transport revolution that could potentially slash greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

Each truck converted from diesel to biomethane achieves a carbon saving that’s equivalent to removing more than 100 cars from the roads.

Following in the footsteps of the famous Bristol ‘poo bus’, which was the first in the UK to be powered by biomethane, the new HGVs run on Bio-CNG (compressed natural gas) and are helping to reduce Wessex Water’s carbon emissions and fuel costs.

Wessex Water sewage and food waste powered trucks set to hit the road

Bio-CNG fuel can either be derived from liquified natural gas or from the bi-product of the decomposition of organic matter.

All fuel used in the trucks comes from the anaerobic digestion of sewage and food waste at Bristol Bioresources and Renewable Energy Park.

Wessex Water sewage and food waste powered trucks set to hit the road

Sean Hill, Wessex Water’s director of bioresources, said: “The tankers collecting sewage sludge for treatment and the trucks delivering the output fertiliser are both powered by the gas generated from this treatment, so we’re closing the loop when it comes to our recycling.

“This will make a huge difference to our carbon footprint and help improve the air quality of communities in our region, as well as improving operational efficiency and bringing cost benefits.

“Two vehicles have been purchased initially and we hope to eventually roll out the use of Bio-CNG across our entire tankering and biosolids fleet.”

Wessex Water sewage and food waste powered trucks set to hit the road

Bio-CNG has several advantages over petrol or diesel, reducing CO² emissions by up to 84% as well as nitrous oxide emissions by up to 75%. The trucks are also much quieter than their diesel equivalents.

Wessex Water is the first water and sewerage company to transport both sludge and biosolid fertilisers using vehicles powered by gas from the waste it is treating.

Post source : Wessex Water

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Anthony has worked in the construction industry for many years and looks forward to bringing you news and stories on the highways industry from all over the world.

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