EU to Help Fund Study on LNG in Transport

The European Union will co-finance a study on how to integrate liquefied natural gas (LNG) refuelling technology and infrastructure in Spain. This could demonstrate the potential of LNG as a more environmentally friendly and cost effective transport fuel for heavy goods vehicles.

A sum of nearly €2 million will be allocated from the TEN-T programme, the Trans-European Transport Network.

The project, which was selected for funding under the 2011 TEN-T Annual Call, will look at the possible large scale implementation of LNG refuelling stations across Spain and the EU by conducting a series of studies.

Seven LNG refuelling stations will be installed as part of the project to test different kinds of designs for this type of infrastructure. The LNG logistics chain as well as the potential business models for a regional and/or European roll-out of refuelling stations will also be analysed to paint a broader picture.

Additionally, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) communication technologies will be integrated within the LNG refuelling stations and could incorporate technologies such as intelligent routing, station monitoring, pricing policy and payment methods, the agency said on its website.