Burges Salmon’s Role in CNG Fuels’ Transformational Journey in the UK
When the heavyweights of road transport make a leap towards net zero, the world sits up and takes notice. In a landmark transaction that’s poised to reshape the UK’s low-carbon logistics landscape, Burges Salmon has advised CNG Fuels Ltd., a fully owned arm of ReFuels N.V., Europe’s rising star in renewable biomethane, on a transformative deal set to create the country’s preeminent bio-CNG infrastructure platform.
The move sees CNG Fuels’ journey shift gears, accelerating towards becoming a fully integrated clean fuel company. If ever there was a turning point for the decarbonisation of Britain’s heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fleet, this is it.
But what’s really driving this seismic change? Behind the headlines sits a dynamic team of legal, financial, and technical specialists who’ve joined forces to deliver not just a business transaction, but a genuine leap forward for sustainable transport.
Scale, Ambition, and Sustainable Impact
The numbers tell their own story. Backed by funds managed by the Foresight Group, this deal transfers ownership of 15 strategically placed refuelling stations to CNG Fuels. That’s enough capacity to serve 10,000 HGVs every day and supply a staggering 310 million kilograms of biomethane annually.
Big names like Amazon, DHL, and Marks & Spencer are already lining up as customers, signalling the commercial appetite for truly sustainable haulage solutions.
Here’s why this deal matters:
- Unrivalled scale: With these stations, CNG Fuels can meet the surging demand from HGV fleets shifting away from diesel.
- Immediate environmental benefits: Bio-CNG slashes well-to-wheel carbon emissions, putting the UK ahead in its decarbonisation targets for freight.
- Catalyst for sector-wide change: Major logistics operators will find it easier to decarbonise, pushing the entire sector closer to net zero.
Inside the Transaction
This deal didn’t happen by chance. The Burges Salmon team, spearheaded by partner Danny Lee, brought together legal minds spanning corporate, tax, banking, projects, incentives, and employment—making sure every angle was covered. The breadth and depth of the team were key to navigating the complexities of merging energy infrastructure with innovative finance and sustainable business models.
Danny Lee said it best: “We are delighted to have supported CNG Fuels on its transformational transition to becoming a fully integrated clean fuel company, a move poised to make a substantial impact on the decarbonisation of heavy goods vehicles across the UK. It has been a pleasure working with CNG Fuels and its stakeholders Refuels and Foresight to facilitate a transaction that champions and advances sustainable modes of transportation.”
Others on the Burges Salmon team included senior associate Niall Mackle, associate Claire Withers, solicitor Manahil Qadir, and trainee Lui Henderson, along with director Silvana Van der Velde and associate Emer O’Connell, who steered the ship on tax and banking matters.
A Word from the Visionaries
From the operational side, Philip Fjeld, CEO of ReFuels, painted a clear picture of what this deal unlocks: “By consolidating biomethane sourcing, station ownership and certificates, we are creating a leading integrated and fully equity-funded Bio-CNG infrastructure platform. This opens new sources of capital to finance a doubling of our refuelling capacity supported by rapidly increasing cash flow from operations. A larger station portfolio will enable additional truck fleets to decarbonise, further fuelling network and scale effects. The support from Burges Salmon, with its joined-up multi-disciplinary team and understanding of our sector, has been instrumental in facilitating this complex transaction.”
It’s a textbook case of sector expertise meeting innovative finance, all in the service of practical climate action. With equity-funding in place and infrastructure consolidated, the company is now primed to double down on growth, supporting both existing and new clients as they switch to bio-CNG.
Why Bio-CNG? The Real-World Case for Green HGVs
So, why is biomethane causing such a stir among fleet operators? For starters, it’s one of the only proven, scalable, and immediately available solutions for decarbonising long-haul freight—especially in sectors where battery electrification or hydrogen remain out of reach. Bio-CNG is produced from renewable waste sources and can cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel.
Transport experts note several big wins for bio-CNG:
- Reliability and range: Heavy trucks can refuel in minutes and travel hundreds of miles between stops.
- Lower total cost of ownership: Operators see significant savings, especially as fuel duty incentives and carbon prices shift the economic balance.
- Plug-and-play infrastructure: Most modern gas trucks are ready to run on biomethane with minimal modifications.
Major UK fleets have already clocked up millions of real-world miles using biomethane. According to the UK Department for Transport and independent studies, bio-CNG HGVs have a proven track record of both reducing emissions and driving down costs.
Building the Legal Foundations for Sustainable Transport
What sets Burges Salmon apart isn’t just their legal expertise—it’s their holistic approach to solving complex industry problems. With a Sustainable Transport team operating across rail, highways, aviation, marine, and ports, the firm delivers advice that goes beyond the letter of the law. Whether it’s unlocking funding for innovative green projects or resolving knotty construction disputes, Burges Salmon’s team understands the strategic imperatives behind each client’s journey.
The firm’s national reach is equally impressive. Offices in Bristol, Edinburgh, London, and Dublin form a UK-wide network, while a handpicked group of global partner firms gives Burges Salmon international clout. Lawyers qualified across all three UK legal jurisdictions mean clients can access seamless advice no matter where their project is rooted.
Standing Out in a Competitive Market
There’s no shortage of legal heavyweights vying for the top spot, but Burges Salmon has carved out a unique niche. The firm’s blend of independence, ambition, and sustainable values sets it apart. By working hand-in-hand with corporates, entrepreneurial businesses, public institutions, and private clients, the team brings commercial nous and sharp insight to every table.
That client-first mentality is a key part of the firm’s DNA. Rather than offering off-the-shelf solutions, Burges Salmon’s lawyers get under the skin of their clients’ challenges—helping shape the legal, technical, and operational answers that matter when the stakes are high.
Riding the Wave of Decarbonisation
Looking ahead, this is more than just a legal milestone—it’s a signal that the green transport transition is accelerating. For those watching the shift from diesel to renewable fuels, the CNG Fuels deal is an object lesson in how legal, financial, and sectoral expertise can combine to spark system-wide change.
The deal also reinforces the growing confidence investors have in low-carbon infrastructure. As governments tighten decarbonisation targets and major corporates demand greener supply chains, infrastructure platforms like CNG Fuels’ will be critical to keeping the UK at the forefront of sustainable freight.
Charting a Greener Road Ahead
This transaction is a timely reminder: the road to net zero will be built one milestone at a time, by teams prepared to blend innovation, expertise, and vision.
With Burges Salmon’s guidance, CNG Fuels now stands at the vanguard of the UK’s clean transport revolution—delivering practical, profitable solutions that keep Britain’s goods moving while dramatically slashing carbon emissions.
If this is the future of logistics, it’s looking a whole lot greener.
