Calor is partnering motorway services operator Moto Hospitality to launch two new publically accessible liquefied natural gas (LNG) refuelling stations, bringing the total on UK roads up to nine.

The stations will be based at Moto’s Donnington Park and Grantham service stations on the M1. Calor is leasing the land from Moto and plans to open for business in the third quarter of 2016.

Each site will hold a single LNG refuelling system capable of supplying heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) , and the service will be available 24/7.

Mark Gilks, Calor sales manager for LNG transportation, said: “With the potential for offering significant cost and CO2 reductions, not to mention clean-air benefits, LNG is enjoying increased popularity as a fuel for HGVs and shipping.

“Calor is already committed strongly to this sector and operates the largest publically accessible LNG road-refuelling network across the UK.

“This latest deal strengthens our existing relationship with Moto, as we have already launched LNG refuelling stations at Moto’s Aust, Bristol and Lymm service stations.

He said LNG was becoming an increasingly popular fuel choice for companies operating long-haul HGVs. Compared to diesel it can reduce running costs and significantly cut emissions of CO2 and dangerous particulates such as NOx and SOx.

Engines fuelled with LNG are also quieter than those burning diesel, which means that LNG-fuelled trucks can operate for longer where noise restrictions apply, such as delivering to supermarkets in residential areas or city centres that have traffic and noise abatement regulations.