Heisch focused on the best practice of LNG fleet and fueling system and spoke about the different types of technologies available for refueling in Europe. He stressed there are various types of configurations, connections and nozzles according to the type of vehicle, and remarked there is “possibility to fuel all types of vehicles.” He also provided different scenarios of refueling: LNG stations should be designed according to the size of the fleet. “Filling stations need to adapt to different LNG conditions, weights and measures needs to be mandatory, LNG refueling has to become as easy as diesel, and delivery of LNG to the station has to be standardized,” concluded Cryostar’s executive.
Ballast Nedam LNG Product manager, Raven presented ‘A unique LNG filling station technology’, where he addressed the company’s integrated projects based on DBFMO (design, build, finance, maintain and operate) contracts. With an internationally profile, this service is intended for companies, governments and consumers. Design basis features include start-up size (portable, horizontal 20 m3), zero ventilation, public retail (with instructions having into account the unmanned and automatic service), safety systems (vehicle recognition safeguards correct fueling pressure) and 24/7 helpdesk and team on every LNG location.
Furthermore, Diego Pegorati from Vanzetti focused on cryogenic pump systems at LNG/LCNG filling stations for vehicles and fleets, including maintenance and management. Cryogenic reciprocating high pressure pumps, high pressure vaporizing systems, cryogenic submerged pumps, LNG dispenser and cryogenic centrifugal pumps are among the company’s key issues, he stated. He also stressed Vanzetti’s commitment with a steady improvement of the technology and that they are targeting specialized partners companies outside Italy to build the stations following their know-how and processes.
Finally, Arjan van Ginkel from Emerson spoke about ensuring accurate value of LNG dispensing solutions for HDVs. He began remarking the Kyoto Protocol, mainly aimed at reducing emissions and replacing 20% of gasoline and diesel by 2020. “Only three types of fuels are capable of replacing more than 5% of motor fuel consumption in the next ten years: biofuels, natural gas (LNG, CNG, LBG, biogas) and electricity-hydrogen,” he commented.
“Financing, regulations, and experiences: HDVs and refuelling”
First to speak during the fourth session was Matthias Maedge, from NGVA Europe, who addressed the future of LNG investment and funding. During his presentation, he stated renewable natural gas (LNG or CNG) has the widest possible mobility spectrum. “And we are not running out of natural gas for vehicles use,” he added regarding the vast gas reserves worldwide. With 20 terminals operational in Europe, Maedge also said “LNG will be increasingly available”. Moreover, he mentioned that LNG will also become the major alternative for marine shipping, including North America’s coast as it will be ECA-NOx from 2016. Finally, he remarked that EU grants, which are already supporting fueling infrastructure projects, should also co-fund the research on climate change. “2013 call for grants will be presented in November 2012, through the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency,” he informed.
Secondly, Norbert Tschudy from Cryostar spoke about the European experiences in cryogenic refueling for HDVs and his presentation included a map of LNG fueling facilities, trucks and required refueling technologies available, and a complete scenario of Europe markets such as UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain and France. He also mentioned the challenges for development and upcoming opportunities in other countries (Poland, Russia, Turkey and Switzerland).
On behalf Ballast Nedam and the Dutch Commission for LNG regulations, Erik Buthker discussed about the standards in the Netherlands. “Ten years ago we started with CNG, now with do the same with LNG,” he said regarding CNG.Net and LNG24, his company’s subsidiaries. He mainly focused on the PGS, which is a Dutch national guideline that gives an interpretation of legislation into practice, describing the state of the art, written into rules, recommendations, criteria and conditions, and covering occupational safety on the job, environmental safety, fire safety and transport safety.
Paul Dijkhof from KIWA also took part of the session and highlighted the European regulations for LNG vehicles. He encouraged an LNG task force for HDVs, which will be officially proposed soon, and detailed the reasons to implement it, such as a stronger demand from the market. Dijkhof also gave an overview of current regulations (ISO/TC22/SC25, ISO/PC252, and ISO/TC220). “The most important thing to start LNG in Europe is to have this task force ready,” he added.
To conclude, Rob Winkel from Ecofys referred to the BioLNG regulations and its correlation to trucks and marine applications, and described the fuel as “one of few renewable energy options for transport sector.” His presentation was also notable for addressing the use of biofuels in shipping segment, mainly focused on GHG emissions. He also stressed the potential of biomethane applications as it could connect to existing LNG terminals and the strategies for introducing biofuels, including giving priority to specific niche markets (short distance, passenger ships) and coordinating technical research programs.
