EU rules ensure build-up of LNG network
New EU rules have been adopted to ensure the build-up of alternative refuelling points across Europe with common standards for their design and use.
Member states must set and make public their targets and present their national policy frameworks by end-2016.
EU Commission VP, Siim Kallas, commented: "Alternative fuels are key to improving the security of energy supply, reducing the impact of transport on the environment and boosting EU competitiveness. With these new rules, the EU provides long-awaited legal certainty for companies to start investing, and the possibility for economies of scale. EU member states requested flexibility in deploying the infrastructure. It is now up to them to develop the right national policy frameworks.”
Alternative fuels
With the new "directive for the deployment of the alternative fuels infrastructure", member states will have to provide a minimum infrastructure for alternative fuels such as electricity, hydrogen and natural gas, as well as common EU-wide standards for equipment needed and user information.
Access to LNG for inland barges and maritime ships will provide a realistic option to meet challenges on lower emissions, in particular stricter sulphur emission limits in sensitive areas.
LNG rules
For the development of LNG for road transport, EU member states have to ensure a sufficient number of publicly accessible refuelling points, with common standards, on the TEN-T core network, ideally every 400 km, to be built by end-2025. The directive also requires a minimum coverage to ensure accessibility of LNG in main maritime and inland ports.
CNG rules
The directive requires member states to ensure a sufficient number of publicly accessible refuelling points, with common standards, to allow the circulation of CNG vehicles, both in urban and sub-urban areas as well as on the TEN-T core network, ideally every 150 km, to be built by end-2025.
In addition, the directive requires that clear information be given to consumers about the fuels that can be used by a vehicle, using standardised labelling in vehicle manuals, at dealerships and on the recharging and refuelling points. It also aims at providing clear information to users to compare alternative fuel prices with conventional fuel prices.
Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward
Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/29092014/eu-rules-on-lng-infrastructure-1492/
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