Is Bio-LNG Being Overlooked as a Key Fuel for the Future of Trucking

4:41 am UTC March 28, 2025 Mar 28, 2025 | by: Volvo Trucks | Transport

(Photo by: Volvo Trucks)

A renewable, efficient fuel derived from food scraps and waste may sound too good to be accurate, but that’s precisely what liquid biogas, or bio-LNG, offers. So, isn't this green fuel receiving more attention in discussions about sustainable alternatives for the trucking industry?

What fuel will replace diesel in trucks? At Volvo Trucks, we’ve long acknowledged that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to decarbonizing the transport industry. Instead, alternative fuels will likely be adopted, ranging from battery electric and hydrogen fuel cells to renewable combustion engines powered by biodiesel, HVO, and LNG/bio-LNG.

Each fuel has pros and cons, and the best option for each business depends on its specific needs and operating conditions. For some, bio-LNG may be the ideal solution. As global biomethane production scales up and the LNG refueling network expands, bio-LNG becomes a more realistic alternative.

What exactly is bio-LNG?
Bio-LNG is derived from organic waste, such as food scraps, agricultural residues, manure, sewage, and wastewater. The process breaks down and purifies this waste into biomethane, which is cooled to around -160°C to form bio-LNG. Chemically, it mirrors conventional LNG, offering the same performance and compatibility with existing vehicles and refueling stations. However, bio-LNG stands out because it is renewable and carbon-neutral as a tank-to-wheel fuel.

When produced from manure, bio-LNG can result in up to 200% harmful CO2 emissions (well-to-wheel) since it reduces reliance on fossil fuels and prevents methane from being released into the atmosphere during manure storage. In this case, one gas-powered truck could effectively offset the emissions of two diesel-powered trucks.

Furthermore, because bio-LNG utilizes waste materials, and the by-products can serve as fertilizers, it promotes a circular economy. It can also be produced locally, which further reduces emissions from transportation.

How is the market for bio-LNG evolving?
Historically, bio-LNG’s potential has been limited by low production rates and insufficient refueling infrastructure. However, the situation is changing.

The EU has set a target of producing 35 billion cubic meters (bcm) of biomethane by 2030 under its REPowerEU initiative. As of 2023, the combined production of biomethane and biogas has reached 22 bcm, while total natural gas consumption across the EU stood at 295 bcm. In the US, bio-LNG projects accounted for over 90% of new developments in 2023, and China is targeting 20 bcm of biogas production by 2030.

There are now 780 LNG refueling stations in Europe, all of which are compatible with bio-LNG as production increases. China and India also see strong growth in gas-powered trucks, with expanded refueling infrastructure expected in the coming years.

Which trucking operations can benefit from bio-LNG?
One key advantage of gas-powered trucks is that they offer the same range and refueling times as their diesel counterparts. For example, Volvo Trucks’ gas-powered vehicles match the power and torque of diesel models and can reach distances of up to 1,000 km.

Fueled by traditional fossil LNG, gas-powered trucks can reduce tank-to-wheel CO2 emissions by around 20% compared to diesel. This figure rises to up to 100% when bio-LNG is used.

Even with limited availability, bio-LNG is becoming increasingly accessible through LNG refueling stations. Truck operators can already begin transitioning from diesel to gas, resulting in an immediate CO2 reduction.

In the long run, as bio-LNG becomes more widely available, switching from LNG to bio-LNG will be seamless since identical vehicles and infrastructure can be used. Blends of bio-LNG and LNG are already available in some markets, like the Netherlands and Germany, offering CO2 reductions of around 30%. Over time, increasing the bio-LNG content in these blends will move emissions closer to zero. For some operators, this could be the most straightforward path toward carbon-neutral trucking, offering a substantial step forward in creating a more sustainable industry.