Until now, the CNG stations in Madrid were located only in municipal facilities, not in the public space, and only two of them were publicly accessible. With the launch of the new refueling site, now there are three compressed natural gas stations available to all residents. It is expected that there will be six facilities in total with new openings to come in the districts of Villaverde, Vicálvaro and Moncloa-Aravaca by the end of this year. In the medium term, six more filling stations, whose location is being evaluated, will be added.
San Blas CNG Station has capacity to serve 220 vehicles a day. With this opening, there are now 23 natural gas refueling sited operated by Gas Natural Fenosa in Spain.
Municipal services pioneered the fuel adoption by including alternative energy powered heavy duty vehicles in its fleet. As a result, the municipal fleet has incorporated 791 urban buses, 459 waste collection trucks and 18 municipal cranes driven by compressed natural gas. In addition, the promotion of CNG in the rest of the local vehicle fleet is essential for the City Administration.
The use of this fuel is a strategic investment for Madrid. The energy scheme chosen decisively contributes to the economic growth, social welfare and has a positive environmental impact. “Our strategy to move towards a new urban model is reflected in the Plan for the Sustainable Use of Energy and Climate Change Prevention launched in 2008, and the City’s Air Quality Plan, which is currently ongoing,” explained Ana Botella.
Source: City of Madrid.
