Sustainable Edge: Is near zero the new net zero? With Philip Fjeld, CEO of ReFuels
War in Ukraine, disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and overloaded power grids have pushed energy security to the top of the agenda for Europe’s logistics fleets. In this episode of Sustainable Edge, ReFuels CEO and Co-Founder Philip Fjeld explains why heavy transport is turning to locally produced biomethane, and argues that “near zero” is not a retreat from climate ambition but the real-world pragmatism the industry needs. In this episode of Sustainable Edge Host Joachim Nahem, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder at Position Green, sits down with Philip Fjeld, CEO and Co-Founder of ReFuels, the company building the Bio-CNG refuelling infrastructure that powers heavy transport fleets across the UK and Europe. For years, the corporate climate mandate was absolute net zero or bust, with every truck on the road expected to go fully electric. But fleet operators run on profit margins of just 2 to 5%, diesel prices have jumped by 40 to 50% in six months, and electric trucks, chargers and grid upgrades remain out of reach for many. Philip explains why the shift towards near zero is pragmatism, and why his customers, including eight of the ten largest supermarket chains in the UK, are not rowing back on their climate targets but accelerating them. Together, they explore whether biomethane is a temporary bridge or a permanent part of the energy mix, how the fuel can become carbon negative, why planning approvals rather than technology are the real bottleneck, how to avoid the food versus fuel trap, and what it takes to build a profitable green business. Philip also shares his best advice for founders after 20 years as an entrepreneur. Learn about Near zero as real-world pragmatism Why low-margin fleet operators cannot afford trucks that cost twice as much or grid upgrades costing millions, and why near zero is a workable alternative to an undeliverable vision. Climate pledges still matter Why, contrary to popular perception, Philip sees no customers abandoning their decarbonisation plans, and why waiting for future technology is not an option for companies with 2030 and 2035 targets. The real bottleneck is infrastructure How planning approval for a refuelling station has gone from around two months to as long as a year and a half, and why grid capacity, depot space and permits slow down the transition more than technology. Profitable sustainability How ReFuels spent close to a decade building a robust, fully backed-up station network before reaching profitability, and why customers need green options that cost no more than diesel. From 90% savings to carbon negative How biomethane captures methane from waste that would otherwise rot, why it currently cuts greenhouse gas emissions by about 90% compared to diesel, and how a growing share of supply is already carbon negative. Avoiding the food versus fuel trap Why most major UK supermarkets have moved away from biodiesel, and why locally sourced waste feedstocks under European regulation avoid threatening food security elsewhere. Energy security moves up the agenda Why fuel security now sits alongside cost and carbon in customers’ decisions, and why smaller hauliers risk ending up at the back of the queue in a diesel shortage. A scalable, homegrown resource How biomethane produced from European feedstocks could theoretically supply half of Europe’s gas demand, while creating new revenue for farmers and producing nutrient-rich fertiliser as a byproduct. Lessons from 20 years as a founder Why every founder needs trusted mentors with real life experience, and why bringing your partner along on the journey is essential for your relationships to survive. About Philip Fjeld Philip Fjeld has worked in the natural gas industry since 2002, when he joined the LNG ship owner Höegh LNG in Oslo. He went on to co-found Flex LNG, and in 2014 he started CNG Fuels, which combined with ReFuels in 2023 to form a fully integrated energy supplier dedicated to decarbonising Europe’s commercial fleets. He holds a graduate degree from the Norwegian School of Economics. Today, ReFuels is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and supplies renewable biomethane to some of the largest fleet operators in the UK. Philip has spent two decades as a founder and CEO, building businesses that make cleaner energy work in the real world. Why it matters As geopolitical conflicts drive up diesel prices and threaten supply, heavy transport needs solutions that cut emissions today without waiting for grid upgrades or new truck technology. Philip argues that biomethane offers fleets a rare combination: lower costs, significant emissions reductions and energy that is produced locally, out of reach of distant conflicts. This conversation offers business leaders a practical view of how decarbonisation targets can be met under real-world constraints, and why energy security is becoming as important as carbon in shaping transport strategy.
