24 March 2011 Last updated at 02:00 ET

Leeds council to run biomethane fuel station

The new biomethane fuel station will open later at Cross Green, Leeds

Leeds council is set to become one of the first local authorities to have its own permanent biomethane fuel station.

The £150,000 station will serve the city's two biomethane gas-powered rubbish trucks, providing fuel storage and easier refilling at the pumps.

Biomethane is a natural gas produced by breaking down organic materials like food waste and manure.

According to the council, its use offers significant cost savings as well as environmental benefits.

Emission reduction

Councillor Tom Murray, Leeds City Council executive member for environmental services, said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for Leeds to be at the forefront of green technology in our region while also realising real savings in the cost of running essential vehicles."

The station "opens up all kinds of possibilities for future green improvements in how we and other organisations in the city operate our fleet", he added.

Currently the council only has two vehicles running on biomethane, a recycling truck that is fully powered by the gas and a rubbish truck that runs on a mixture of diesel and biomethane, both of which were introduced nine months ago.

According to the council, the biomethane-only vehicle has achieved a 60% reduction in carbon emissions.

The opening of the station on Knowsthrope Way in Cross Green could mean more council vehicles and the organisations convert to green fuel in the future.