On the way to decarbonisation

The handover of new gas trucks formed an opportunity to discuss Italy’s decarbonisation. A study shows that biogas even allows carbon negativity to be achieved.

One of a total of 88 Iveco S-Way with LNG propulsion that have been used in the fleet of the Italian forwarder so far. Source: Metanoauto.com

Four years ago, the freight forwarding and logistics company Spezzano Trasporti opted to use gas-powered trucks. This is because they emit up to 35% less CO₂ than comparable diesel trucks. If Spezzano Trasporti were to run its fleet on Swiss biogas, the reduction would be 85%. The Italian company’s fleet already included 88 Iveco S-Way – and now even more have been added. “We’re proud to have been able to supply another 15 Iveco S-Way LNGs, guaranteeing further emission savings through the use of bio-LNG and optimised aerodynamics,” said Fabrizio Buffa, head of medium and heavy series at Iveco Italy.

Exciting discussion during the vehicle handover with Deputy Minister for the Environment Vannia Gava. Source: Milano Industrial S.p.A

But this was not just about supplying another 15 gas trucks to a company: representatives from politics and business also discussed how to further advance the use of biogas and bio-LNG, improve biogas production in Italy and pave the way for the decarbonisation of the transport sector. “We’re able to support and simplify processes – as we’ve done with the PNRR, the incentive decree and calls for tenders for the circular economy, which also include plants for the production of biofuels,” explained Vannia Gava, Italy’s Deputy Minister for the Environment. “We need sound cooperation between government, manufacturers, associations, cooperatives and entrepreneurs so as to maintain our leading role in this sector.”

MEP Simona Loizzo also underlined the importance of regional and national development in the biogas sector with a view to achieving sustainable mobility. “Iveco has always incorporated the principles of sustainability in its development plans,” added Valerio Vanacore, head of Iveco’s alternative drives department. “If we want to drive forward decarbonisation, it really will be essential to use an intelligent mix of alternative fuels, taking into account how these energy sources are produced. With a view to the long-term perspective, biogas is the best solution currently available on the market.”

Two of the 15 new LNG-powered Iveco trucks handed over to freight forwarding and logistics company Spezzano Trasporti. Source: Iveco

Biogas production not only creates regional jobs, increases energy independence and recycles waste, it also provides an important sustainable energy source for the transport sector. A study by the National Research Council of Italy and the Consorzio Italiano Biogas concludes that it would be possible to achieve a CO₂ reduction of more than 121%. This means that biogas or bio-LNG are the only powertrains with a range of up to 1,600 kilometres, a refuelling capacity comparable to diesel and a higher payload that are capable of achieving carbon negativity.

Looking at the actual fuel consumption based on the telematics data of diesel trucks and taking into account the annual mileage of Spezzano Trasporti’s Iveco S-Way with LNG drive, biogas clearly saves more than 2,400 tonnes of CO₂ per year – equivalent to the amount absorbed by more than 160,000 trees!

Thanks to vehicles like the Iveco S-Way with biogas in the tank, massive CO₂ reductions are possible; according to a new Italian study, even carbon negativity is possible. Source: Iveco

“Spezzano Trasporti’s investments have always been geared towards the highest possible level of environmental compatibility. By choosing sustainable vehicles such as the biogas-powered Iveco S-Way, we’re able to guarantee a significant reduction in emissions and make our fleet more sustainable,” says Antonella Mangano of Spezzano Trasporti. The latest 15 Iveco S-Ways that run on bio-LNG are used for refrigerated food transport in Italy and Europe. The vehicles are fitted with a 460 hp Cursor 13 engine and feature the Driving Comfort Plus package, which includes automatic climate control, infotainment with navigation and the latest connectivity box technology. The LNG trucks have semi-trailers in tow that are equipped with the very latest generation of isothermal boxes. These feature highly innovative insulation, enabling constant temperature monitoring and guaranteeing maintenance of a cold chain. (jas, 28 March 2023)