Noviembre 22, 2023. Gas Networks Ireland and Virginia International Logistics (VIL) have taken another step forward in reducing emissions from Ireland’s transport industry – one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonize – with the opening of Ireland’s eighth compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling station.
Fueling with CNG can reduce a heavy good vehicle’s (HGV) emissions by up to 22%, while Bio-CNG, which qualifies as a renewable fuel under the Irish Biofuel Obligation Scheme, can turn an HGV into a carbon neutral vehicle.
Demand for renewable gas in transport from Ireland’s road freight sector is continuing to show strong growth – in October, for the tenth month running, demand for this low carbon alternative to diesel saw another significant year-on-year increase, up 32% on the same month last year.
Headquartered in Co. Cavan, Virginia International Logistics first introduced Bio-CNG compatible vehicles to its fleet in 2018, which they have continued to expand and now makes up almost a fifth of the company’s vehicles.
Working with Gas Networks Ireland, who installed and is operating the CNG equipment, the new station is located at VIL’s premises in Maghera, just outside Virginia.
Speaking as she officially opened the new CNG filling station in Virginia, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said:
“Ireland faces a significant challenge to meet its emission reduction targets, particularly in the transport sector, as it currently accounts for 42% of Ireland’s energy use, making it the country’s largest source of energy demand.
This new CNG station allows hauliers and fleet operators in Cavan and the North-East region to begin the journey to sustainable transport and supply chains by switching their fuel from diesel.
I am especially excited that a Cavan grown, and now international transport business, employing more than 400 staff with over 130 trucks on the road, is to the fore in helping Ireland transition to a cleaner energy future by providing a low carbon fuel alternative to diesel.”
