Produced in parallel with its development of the UK’s first bio-fuel filling station network for heavy goods vehicles, the Gasrec study will assess the potential of Bio-LNG, when used as a vehicle fuel, to contribute to meeting European renewable energy targets.
Gasrec was selected for funding by the TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Networks) Executive Agency, which was created by the European Commission in 2006 and provides financial support to important transport infrastructure projects.
The study, to be carried out by independent consultants Transport & Travel Research, will test the use of Bio-LNG with HGV fleet operators already operating natural gas powered vehicles in the UK. It will monitor fuel consumption and traffic throughput at the five strategically located Bio-LNG refueling stations that will be developed and operated by Gasrec. It will also address the three main barriers identified by the European Commission as inhibiting market development of alternative fuels, specifically: infrastructure availability; vehicle availability and price-point; and overall consumer demand.
Gasrec’s pilot network will be enhanced through the use of mobile refueling stations, deployed initially in the UK on a temporary basis. This phased deployment will allow a smooth transition to achieving stable filling infrastructure before the mobile assets are passed to other EU member states as part of the continued test of market conditions in different EU locations.
The results of Gasrec’s study will be directly linked to the EU LNG Blue Corridors project, a project that will increase knowledge and awareness of LNG as an alternative fuel for medium and long distance road transport across the EU.
Source: Gasrec.
