Orkla, Gasum, Volvo Trucks report successful liquid biogas test

A test conducted by Orkla, Gasum, and Volvo Trucks to determine the emissions reduction capabilities of liquid biogas in transport and logistics has been hailed a success.

The three firms conducted a one-month test during which Orkla’s transport partner GDL switched to liquid biogas (LBG). The results showed Orkla achieved a 90% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and a 25% reduction in fuel costs.

Sweden’s expanding station network makes it easier to start using LBG for transport and logistics companies throughout the Nordic region. There are now a total of 23 liquefied gas stations in Sweden, of which Gasum operations 13.

Gasum’s new filling station in Helsingborg made it possible to drive a gas-powered truck between Orkla’s warehouse in Helsingborg and Felix’s ketchup and dressing factory in Fågelmara, Blekinge.

Anders Wendelius, CEO of GDL, said: “The trial period has given us a lot of data both in terms of economy and how it works in practice to use a gas truck and the feedback from users has been very positive.

“Refuelling is quick and easy, as fast as refuelling with diesel, and there is less noise compared to diesel cars.

“Our absolute ambition is to drive even more climate-smart and with tests like this, it becomes clear that gas is a great opportunity.”

“It is very fun that Orkla confirms how easy and successful it is to drive and refuel gas vehicles,” said Stefan Strand, CEO of Volvo Trucks in Sweden. “Their tests show what we see ourselves – that transports with heavy vehicles on LBG are an important part of the road towards fossil-free transport.

“We see a very good development in the Swedish market thanks to operating economy, well-proven technology, and the growing availability of liquefied gas.”

According to Mikael Antonsson, director of Traffic Sweden, Gasum, believes the test results show that refuelling time is as short as with diesel, significant cost savings are achieved, and CO₂ emissions reductions are significant.

“It shows that renewable fuels are the future and the future is already here,” said Antonsson. “The support programmes in Sweden, such as Klimatklivet, Klimatpremien, and DriveLBG, are important because they facilitate the transition and make more people dare to invest in vehicles with liquefied gas already today.”