What is GTL Storage for UK Businesses?
With sustainability returning as a core goal of our nation’s economy, GTL (Gas-to-Liquid) is emerging as a great option alongside other sustainable fuels like HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and the additive AdBlue. GTL offers a promising option for commercial and industrial vehicle fleets looking to reduce their carbon footprint. However, ensuring your assets have access to all they need is difficult without the right equipment.
Read on to learn what equipment a fleet needs for their GTL and how they can support your goals related to fuel efficiency and reduced expenses.
How Does GTL Work?
GTL is formed through a series of chemical reactions that convert natural gas (mainly methane) into a liquid fuel that can be used in diesel engines. As it has a cleaner burning compared to traditional diesel, it significantly reduces particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx), making it a more environmentally friendly option.
Improved Performance and Reduced Maintenance
GTL has a higher cetane number, which means it enhances engine performance and efficiency more than diesel fuel, which, as a result, means less is used, lowering the environmental impact further. This also means engines running on GTL have a smoother operation and potentially longer intervals between maintenance.
With this cleaner combustion and reduced engine wear, GTL use leads to lower maintenance costs and improved reliability. For businesses managing large fleets, this means fewer disruptions and enhanced overall performance.
A Great Choice for Long Winters
Another key advantage of GTL fuel is its performance in harsh weather conditions. Unlike diesel, which can gel in very low temperatures, GTL remains stable and reliable even in extreme cold. With many e-commerce fleets experiencing peak work times during our long, cold winters, choosing this fuel means not worrying about its gelling when stored on site for extended periods.
Is AdBlue The Same?
Unlike GTL, AdBlue is not a fuel but an additive that helps convert harmful NOx into harmless nitrogen and water vapour during the exhaust process. Although many businesses benefit from AdBlue fuel pumps, they require some alternations before they become an asset. For example, diesel engines must first be equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). While AdBlue is effective in reducing emissions from diesel engines, it does not address the underlying issues of diesel fuel’s combustion process itself. It is a complementary technology used in conjunction with traditional diesel to meet emission standards.
How Do You Store GTL?
Fuel dispensing tanks are needed so your team isn’t reliant on offsite dispensing companies, but they must be bunded to offer the enhanced protection of a dual-layer containment system. This design not only ensures compliance with UK environmental regulations by preventing leaks and spills but also safeguards against potential contamination of soil and groundwater. For businesses operating in environmentally sensitive areas, bunded tanks are indispensable, providing both environmental protection and peace of mind.
In addition, you must install commercial fuel pumps to facilitate efficient fuel distribution. These pumps ensure that GTL fuel is easily accessible for your fleet, streamlining operations and minimising downtime. By integrating a reliable pumping system, businesses can optimise fuel usage, contributing to overall operational efficiency by being able to track and assign every drop purchased.
A wireless fuel monitoring software is not strictly essential but highly recommended to enhance the management of your onsite GTL storage. This system allows for real-time tracking of fuel levels, enabling proactive management and ensuring that your fuel supply is always sufficient to meet operational demands. Such a system supports better inventory control and reduces the risk of fuel shortages, helping to maintain uninterrupted fleet operations.
With these products in mind, businesses can safely and effectively integrate GTL into their fuel management system to support both regulatory compliance and sustainability goals. As the demand for greener fuel solutions grows, GTL provides an innovative way for companies to enhance their fleet operations while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Optimising Sustainable Fuel Usage with Onsite Fuel Storage
With this ongoing push for sustainable goals supported by the government, the push to decarbonise our nation’s fleets has intensified. It is clear that there are multiple paths to achieving this goal, with one of the latest being the onsite storage of GTL fuel at a fleet’s headquarters.
We predict that most commercial fleets will adopt this straightforward approach to reducing carbon emissions, as many companies have already chosen to invest in one of our popular complete fuel management packages for their onsite GTL storage.
If your fleet already has a compatible bunded diesel tank with a pump, you are well on your way to reaping the long-term benefits of GTL fuel. Contact us today to discover how your fleet will optimise its fuel management while simultaneously enhancing its sustainability with GTL fuel stored onsite.
