31-01-2025
Electrification also plays a crucial role, particularly for lighter vehicles used in last-mile delivery. PostNord has made notable progress in this area, with approximately 40 percent of its delivery vehicles now being electric.
The climate agenda involves a joint effort across PostNord’s countries of operation, each adopting a combination of biofuel use and electrification, based on local infrastructure and differing national transport policies.
The biodrive working group within the Green by PostNord transition program makes it possible to keep an overview of the use of biofuels in all countries. Monitoring the status of pilots and sharing lessons learned across countries facilitates the transition to fossil-free transportation.
Sweden: Pioneering the transition with HVO100
PostNord Sweden has pioneered the Group’s climate transition by prioritizing the use of HVO100, a biodiesel that significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to regular diesel. Coupled with a well-developed network of refueling stations, HVO100 offers a practical and effective solution.
Stefan Lindestam, Transport Manager for PostNord Sweden, highlights the strategic importance of HVO100: “We wouldn’t be where we are today without switching so quickly to HVO100. HVO100 is also a prerequisite for reaching the goal we have set to become fossil-free by 2030.”
The Swedish strategy also includes investments in electric heavy-duty trucks and future investments in biogas, which is currently mainly produced from biowaste. This approach diversifies energy sources, spreading risk in the transition to fossil-free transportation.
Finland: Combining biodiesel and biogas
PostNord Finland mainly uses biodiesel and biogas. These biofuels are relatively cost-effective in Finland, making them a useful option. Ilmo Strömberg, Climate Lead and leader of the biodrive working group within Green by PostNord, explains, “Biogas and biodiesel are essential for us to achieve the fossil-free goal by 2030. It will not be possible to electrify the entire fleet from delivery vans to distribution trucks and long-haul trucks. We have long distances in Finland, so the transition is easier to make in some areas with biodiesel or biogas.”
This approach allows us to address Finland’s geographical challenges while contributing to the overall climate targets of the company.
Norway: Leading with biogas
Norway has chosen a slightly different approach to fossil-free transportation, mainly due to the country’s infrastructure and regulations. Long distances are primarily covered by rail where available, otherwise, biogas vehicles are used.
“We have chosen to focus on biogas, as the vehicles are now technologically mature, and we see that there are several actors building biogas filling stations”, explains May-Kristin Willoch, Assistant Director of Sustainability at PostNord Norway.
The recent rise in biogas filling stations in places like Oslo and Trondheim, allows PostNord and its transport partners to operate biogas on long stretches without rail coverage.
The commitment to fossil-free transportation is reinforced by PostNord Norway’s decision to stop buying conventional diesel vehicles. This reflects PostNord’s belief that biogas will be a long-term solution, especially for heavy vehicles over long distances.
Denmark: Focusing on electrification
While PostNord Denmark is a valued part of the collaborative biofuel efforts, with some vehicles running on biogas, the country’s strategy places a stronger emphasis on electrification. This approach aligns with Denmark’s conditions, ensuring that the sustainability initiatives are tailored to the local country.
A unified goal
Across all countries, the target is to achieve fossil-free operations by 2030. This ambitious goal requires a diverse yet integrated approach, with biofuels playing a vital role alongside electrification.
The journey towards a fossil-free future involves navigating challenges such as infrastructure development and cost management; however, with strategic investments and a collaborative approach, the way is being paved for sustainable logistics in the Nordics.
Source: PostNord