DHL Freight, Shell’s bio-LNG trial proves a success
The pilot, which started in June, aimed to sustainably reduce CO2 emissions in road freight transport for DHL’s customer, pump manufacturer Grundfos. In the first five months, the volume of bio-LNG lifted has reduced 87 tons of CO2 equivalent. This corresponds to the emissions of over 89,000 kilometres driven by a diesel truck and represents 85% of CO2 savings compared to a traditional diesel engine.
“The logistics industry is currently responsible for 11% of global carbon emissions,” said Uwe Brinks, CEO of DHL Freight. “To fight climate change, the transport sector needs true decarbonisation.
“For us at DHL Freight, sustainable fuel solutions are a key lever to change the fuel mix and ultimately reduce carbon emissions in road freight.
“By investing not only in sustainable fuel but also in fleet renewal, engine retrofitting, and efficiency projects, we tackle the impact of the logistics supply chain. We are happy to have partners at our side who share our vision and join us on the journey towards a sustainable future.”
The bio-LNG used by Shell in the test is produced from agricultural waste. It meets the criteria of the Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) of the EU and is a product of a sustainable circular economy.
Fabien Ziegler, managing director of Shell Germany, commented: “Running pilots like with customers like DHL is a fantastic opportunity for both of us to test and learn, but also to jointly drive the decarbonisation of the sector as it proves that concepts work and deliver a positive impact on climate targets in a commercially viable way.
“The pilot results indicate that bio-LNG can already today reduce CO2 emissions to contribute to the GHG reductions needed to reach the EU’s 2030 climate targets. That is very promising and good news to the sector.”
Shell is scaling up the supply of bio-LNG to offer further emission reductions up to carbon neutrality. As of early next year, Shell will offer a blend of bio-LNG to the entire network in the Netherlands, offering further carbon reduction to all customers.
As of 2023, Shell plans to offer bio-LNG produced in a new gas liquefaction plant at its Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland to the entire network in Germany. The company will start construction of the liquefaction plant later this year, provided permits are granted in time. The volume of up to 100,000 tons per year from Rheinland could help to reduce the carbon emissions caused by long-distance haulage by up to a million tonnes.