Self-service LNG filling station launched by GasNet

LNG truck drivers can now refuel comfortably in Klecany in the Volvo Group Truck Centre Prague-North. The public gas station is only 8 km from the capital, is self-service and open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Payment via a refuelling card, which GasNet distributes to its customers, is also very simple. “LNG is an economical, environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to conventional fuels for freight transport. The LNG drive technology of tractors has been well tried and tested for more than 20 years. We are convinced that LNG trucks will increase rapidly in our country, at a similar pace as in the case of compressed natural gas, i.e. CNG. We believe that LNG will play a key role in achieving the Czech Republic's environmental goals by 2025 and 2030, respectively, in the area of reducing emissions.” says Thomas Merker, GasNet's Chief Financial Officer, adding: “We want to work to build a market for LNG in freight transport. We therefore consider the commissioning of our first mobile station to be an important milestone. It is also a clear signal to carriers who want to make it easier for LNG to access and make this technology and infrastructure available to them.”

LNG technology is safe and reliable

For GasNet, operational safety and reliability are an absolute priority. “Our experts are ready to train drivers and show that refuelling cars on LNG is as easy as refuelling with diesel cars,” explains Filip Dostál, Head of Business Development, GasNet. “We have chosen one of the most modern technologies available, which enables seamless and fast refuelling of all brands of trucks on LNG. These are VOLVO, Scania and IVECO cars. Drivers can refuel themselves after a short training and the pumping time is the same as for diesel cars. Within 10 minutes, the tank is full,” adds F. Dostál.

LNG is a viable alternative for reducing emissions in freight transport

Interest in LNG as a modern and environmentally friendly fuel has recently risen significantly throughout Europe. Even in the Czech Republic, greater use of LNG vehicles is currently the only tried and true option for meeting the EU's emission targets in freight transport. Compared to diesel engines, LNG vehicles have significantly lower emissions, lower noise, and lower operating costs with a comparable range. According to the National Action Plan for Clean Mobility, 6900 LNG lorries should drive on domestic roads by 2030 and we should have 30 filling stations. “Currently, LNG is generally considered a very promising fuel. We are also seeing dynamic growth elsewhere in Europe, most recently in Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands. We also see great potential in this area for the Czech Republic, which is why we have been active here for a long time. We participated in testing cars on LNG; we co-operate with car manufacturers and of course also with carriers. We want and will definitely continue to strengthen and strengthen our presence and active role in kick-starting the domestic LNG market,” concludes T. Merker.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/13072020/self-service-lng-filling-station-launched-by-gasnet/