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Supermarket fleet moves to next gen. emissions reducing fuels.

Three quarters of supermarket distribution fleet on next generation emissions reducing fuels. Tesco have confirmed it is running three-quarters of its distribution fleet on 50% biodiesel blend [B50] from now on.

A renewable fuel made from agricultural crops - and then blended with standard diesel or petrol to deliver a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases the B50 biofuel represents a major change for the supermarket’s huge fleet. The announcement sees Tesco extend its commitment to biofuels usage by ensuring not only that biofuel blends are stocked on the forecourt - but also by adopting the highest percentage blend of biodiesel to be used by a major UK distribution fleet.

Greenhouse Gases

Tesco supermarkets are already something of a market leader in the UK’s sales of biofuels and this commitment will see the retailer’s emissions of whole of life greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, cut by more than 70,000 tonnes per annum. This is enough greenhouse gas to fill over 1.5 billion balloons, 15,000 swimming pools or 400 Albert Halls, and is in addition to a 70,000 tonnes annual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions achieved through the sale of biofuels blends on Tesco forecourts. The reduction in the whole-of-life emissions through the move to 50:50 biodiesel is equivalent to the removal of over 20,000 medium sized cars off the road.

Laurie McIIwee, Distribution Director at Tesco, says: "Using bio-diesel in our distribution fleet reflects our commitment to reducing CO2 emissions throughout our business. We’re experiencing a huge demand for more environmentally friendly fuels and are committed to driving down carbon dioxide emissions.”

Tesco fuels are supplied by Greenergy Fuels Ltd, supplier to more than 50% of the UK biofuels market. Andrew Owens, Chief Executive of Greenergy adds: “Tesco continues to be a pioneer in the UK bio-fuels market setting the standard that others will have to follow. This has not only seen their support give a significant commercial boost to the UK biofuels market but also establish blended biofuels as a credible alternative to traditional petrol and diesel. This means significant benefits for suppliers, producers, consumers and the environment alike.”

70,000 Tonnes

The Tesco fleet of 2,000 lorries is the first major fleet in the UK to use 50:50 bio-diesel blend (B50). In 2005, the supermarket chain rolled-out bio-ethanol blended into gasoline and the UK’s first performance bio-blended fuel (Tesco 99 Octane) to over 50% of Tesco forecourt. This move helped to established biofuel blends as a credible alternative to standard high octane fuels in Britain. Last year saw the rollout of bio-diesel blends onto over 50% (c. 200) of the firms’ retail forecourts.

Tesco has partnered with Greenergy in the construction of a new multi-feed biodiesel plant located at Immingham on the Humber, which will be taking feedstock from UK farmers grown under the groundbreaking ‘Field to Forecourt Contract’. The first phase of the plant, with a production of capacity of over 100,000 tonnes of bio diesel per year, comes on-line this year.

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