In line with the sector-wide goal to reach carbon net-zero by 2030 the company plans to roll out more of the sewage-powered trucks to replace its existing diesel fleet.
Following a trial of a bus run on biomethane in Bristol, Wessex’s vehicles will use the compressed natural gas derived from liquified natural gas or from byproducts of organic decomposition, coming from anaerobic digestion of sewage and food waste.
The company calculated that each of the two trucks will achieve a carbon saving equivalent to removing more than 100 cars from the roads.
Sean Hill, Wessex’s director of bioresources, said: “The tankers collecting sewage sludge for treatment and the trucks delivering the output fertiliser are both powered by the gas generated from this treatment, so we’re closing the loop when it comes to our recycling.
“This will make a huge difference to our carbon footprint and help improve the air quality of communities in our region, as well as improving operational efficiency and bringing cost benefits.”
Across the water sector – as well as other industries – reliance on heavy goods vehicles has slowed the electrification of fleets.
Yorkshire Water has begun a trial with a hydrogen-powered HGV and SES created a charging infrastructure for staff as it switches all vehicles to non-fossil fuel powered.
The company plans to replace the entire tankering and biosolids feed with waste-powered vehicles.