Alternative fuels for road freight
The Alternative Fuels for Road Freight Strategy, jointly developed with the Western Gateway Sub-national Transport Body, sets out how best to support the freight and logistics sector in adopting alternative fuels such as hydrogen, gas, and electric power.
Freight plays a vital role in the South West’s transport system. Understanding the barriers businesses face in switching to low and zero-emission vehicles, and identifying the actions needed to support them, is a crucial step on the road to net zero.
How the Strategy Was Developed
The strategy draws on:
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Forecasting of future trends
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Stakeholder and business engagement
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A bespoke modelling approach to estimate the number of EV charging points and hydrogen refuelling stations needed to support a 2040 fleet of alternatively fuelled LGVs and HGVs, under both high- and low-uptake scenarios
Key Findings
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24 freight and logistics clusters have been identified as potential alternative fuel refuelling locations
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Of these, 13 clusters are within the Peninsula Transport area
Next Steps
The next phase will involve detailed investigation of these locations to assess the practicalities of delivery. Peninsula Transport will work with operators, energy suppliers, and local authorities to help facilitate a cohesive refuelling network. This work will be supported by a site shortlisting tool being developed with Department for Transport funding by Midlands Connect STB, on behalf of all STBs.
This strategy provides invaluable evidence to feed into the full Peninsula Transport Strategy, ensuring that alternative fuels form a central part of the region’s transport decarbonisation pathway.
