First in Czechia: Lidl trucks run on GasNet bioLNG

Lidl has become the first retailer in Czechia to use liquefied biomethane (bioLNG) to transport goods. Compared with diesel, a bioLNG truck has a 95% lower emissions footprint. The tractor units refuel with this unique fuel at the largest network of LNG filling stations in Czechia. It is operated by the GasNet group, the only company in the country offering this renewable gas for road freight transport.

For fast-moving consumer goods retailers, whose business relies on efficient logistics, switching to bioLNG is a quick and easy way to immediately start reducing the emissions footprint of their road freight transport. They can thus meet their corporate social responsibility and ESG commitments, which are playing an increasingly important role in the business world.

“We are extremely pleased that our first customer switching to renewable liquefied biomethane is Lidl. It is the largest Czech retail chain and, as a leader, it is once again showing the way for the entire market. This fully confirms its values in sustainability and responsible conduct. It is reducing both its direct and indirect emissions, as bioLNG is a fully renewable fuel. Interest in bioLNG is growing, and other major players will undoubtedly join soon,” says Filip Dostál, Head of Business Development at GasNet.

An LNG engine emits 70% less nitrogen oxides than a diesel engine. In addition, LNG combustion releases no particulate matter, significantly improving air quality in the immediate surroundings. An LNG engine is also 9 dB quieter than a diesel engine.

“Liquefied biomethane significantly reduces the emissions burden arising from the extraction and production of conventional fossil fuels. It also helps ensure that the immediate surroundings through which freight travels are far less affected by the impacts of this transport. This year alone, we will have at least ten tractor units using liquefied biomethane in operation; we currently already have seven in our fleet. In doing so, we are fulfilling our principles of deploying technologies in our day-to-day operations that contribute to improving the environment in Czechia, not only around our stores,” says Lidl Czech Republic spokesperson Eliška Froschová Stehlíková.

LNG and bioLNG: a rapid solution for greener transport

BioLNG is produced from food leftovers, agricultural waste or even wastewater sludge. Liquefied biomethane can be obtained from virtually any biodegradable waste and has, on average, 95% lower emissions than diesel.

Lidl is the first major market player to opt for direct cooperation with the only supplier of bioLNG in Czechia. The GasNet group began offering this low-emission fuel at the end of last year.

“Demand for green and sustainable transport is growing. BioLNG is currently the only available fuel that can effectively meet this demand. This is not just a matter for logistics companies, but above all for those who order the transport of their goods from them. In view of their ESG strategies and responsible business goals, they are the ones interested in reducing the emissions footprint not only of their production, but naturally also of the distribution of their products,” explains Filip Dostál of GasNet.

Czechia has committed, through the European Renewable Energy Directive, to meeting EU climate targets, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 14.5% or achieving a 29% share of renewable energy sources by 2030.

The motivation to switch to low-emission LNG or the more advanced bioLNG also has an economic rationale. From 2027, emissions allowances will newly apply to road transport as well. Fuel sellers will pass the cost of purchasing allowances on to their final prices. In practice, the extension will mean that hauliers, and therefore also their customers, will pay extra for every litre of fossil fuel, especially diesel. Hauliers already encounter emissions costs when refuelling in Germany. The solution is greater use of liquefied natural gas and, in particular, liquefied biomethane (bioLNG).

Lidl tractor units refuel at six GasNet filling stations in Hradec Králové (D11 motorway), Jažlovice near Říčany (D1), Klecany near Prague (D8), Mladá Boleslav (D10), Nýřany (D5) and Kaplice (future D3).