Midlands Connect: Alternative Fuels for Freight and Logistics
Project
Project Brief
Cenex is working in partnership with Atkins on behalf of Midlands Connect to undertake research into the challenges and opportunities associated with alternative fuels for road freight and assess how these might impact the Midlands. The decarbonisation of road freight presents one of the biggest challenges within the transport industry and this project is the first steppingstone to a collaborative and informed low emission future.
This project help address the Midlands Connect Partnership objective to transform the regions strategic transport networks so that it minimises the impacts of travel on the environment.
Objectives
The overall research aim is to understand the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of alternative fuels and assess how these might impact the Midlands region.
The final report for this research project will include an action plan setting out how the Midlands can maximise the benefits of alternative fuels for freight and what policies and strategies might be required to ensure it grows and maintains a competitive and commercial advantage.
Deliverables
Cenex has worked on the following aspects of the project:
- Surveys of fleet operators and vehicle and infrastructure suppliers to build a baseline of the midlands and understand any possible barriers to the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles.
- Stakeholder workshops to engage with local authorities and fleet managers about the work being carried out and discussing future trends and how to plan for them.
- Analysis of the business case for providing recharging and refuelling infrastructure by Midlands Connect and local authorities. Forecasting the uptake of alternative fuel vehicles up to 2040 including: EVs, PHEVs, Hydrogen, Biomethane and other Biofuels.
- Mapping future infrastructure requirements based of the vehicle uptake rate including indicative costs and possible funding opportunities.
- Developing strategy recommendations to encourage the uptake of alternative fuel vehicles in the midlands.