The national fuel distributor has announced plans to upgrade and develop five sites across its bunker estate over the next 12 months, with its recently refurbished Alconbury site in Cambridgeshire becoming the first location to receive the new investment programme.
The project comes as operators face increasing pressure to improve fleet efficiency while preparing for the gradual transition to lower-carbon fuels.
A £500,000 refurbishment completed in May has delivered new pumps, pipework, card readers and security systems at the Alconbury site, alongside the introduction of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) infrastructure.
Drivers using the site now have access to eight high-speed fuel nozzles capable of dispensing up to 120 litres per minute, helping to reduce vehicle downtime and improve operational efficiency.
The addition of HVO makes Alconbury the 17th location in Certas Energy’s 30-site bunker network to offer the renewable diesel alternative.
Investing for the future
Mike Heaton, Head of Estate Development at Certas Energy, said the company sees investment in existing infrastructure as being just as important as developing new locations.
“We want to make sure that every location we operate is equipped for the future, including the ability to offer new fuels, while keeping the refuelling process smooth, efficient and comfortable for HGV drivers on UK roads.
“That means modernising fuelling equipment, card readers and improving on-site security measures, such as CCTV, remote monitoring software and hardware fitting anti-fraud devices, whilst maximising uptime of each location.
“We look forward to continuing a phased programme of investment across additional sites throughout the year, building a network that is both fit for today’s demand and ready for the transition ahead.”
Alongside the fuel infrastructure upgrades, Certas Energy has invested £80,000 through a partnership with UK Truck Clean to enhance the site’s drive-through truck wash facilities.
Further improvements, including upgrades to the on-site shop and a full Certas Energy rebrand, are planned for August.
The investment programme extends beyond the bunker estate. Certas Energy has also added two new locations to its truckstop network during 2026 and says it plans to replicate the facilities and security standards introduced at its flagship The Stop at The Hollies truckstop in Cannock across future developments.
The announcement reflects a broader trend across the commercial road transport sector, where fuel suppliers are increasingly investing in roadside infrastructure that can support both conventional fuels and lower-carbon alternatives while improving security and driver experience.
For Certas, the redevelopment programme signals a continued commitment to physical refuelling infrastructure at a time when operators are balancing immediate operational requirements with longer-term energy transition planning.
Image provided by Certas Energy