Tesco Ireland has launched a fleet of 50 biomethane-fuelled trucks as part of its ongoing collaboration with DHL Supply Chain.
The new vehicles, which will replace diesel units across the retailer's nationwide distribution network, are expected to reduce tailpipe carbon emissions by up to 90%.
DHL said the trucks will be operated by them to transport produce from Tesco's Dublin distribution centres to stores across the country.
According to DHL this initiative is a key component of Tesco's strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and improve operational sustainability.
This aligns with the logistics giants own goals to decrease carbon emissions in its supply chains.
The renewable fuel for these trucks will be sourced from Irish and European anaerobic digestion plants.
Refuelling will take place at the newly opened BioCNG station operated by Flogas in St Margaret's, north Dublin.
Each truck boasts a range of 700 km on a full tank, enabling deliveries to any of Tesco's 177 stores without the need for refuelling.
The tractors will complete an average of 15 to 20 truckloads of store deliveries across the country each week from Letterkenny to Kerry to Dublin, explained DHL.
David O'Neill from DHL Supply Chain said: "This is such an important project to demonstrate the role biomethane can play in Irish commercial transport and a significant step towards decarbonising Tesco's fleet.
“Our partnership with Tesco shows what can be achieved through a shared commitment to sustainability and we're looking forward to continuing this journey together."
Tesco Ireland's Retail & Distribution Director, Ger Counihan, added: "Our network is one of the most sophisticated distribution networks in the country.
“More than 1,800 journeys are made from our distribution centres every week to our 177 stores.
“We have worked hard with DHL to prepare for the switch from diesel to biomethane trucks, and this move to cleaner energy will reduce the carbon emissions created by this fleet considerably."
The initiative has been welcomed by Darragh O'Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage, who stated:
"The commitment by Tesco to introduce 50 biomethane trucks into their national fleet is very welcome news. Ireland's road haulage sector makes up 20% of the total road transport emissions in Ireland, so it is incumbent on companies like Tesco with their partners DHL, to play their part in helping to drive down our overall carbon emissions.”