LNG pilots green German-Dutch freight transport
The results of the four-year LNG PILOTS project were presented at the closing conference on November 20 and 21 in Duisburg. This Dutch-German project focused on the accelerated introduction of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as an alternative fuel for road and water freight transport in the border region. The conclusion is clear and offers perspective: market participants have become convinced that (bio)LNG is an effective means of making heavy transport more sustainable, and carriers are willing to invest in their fleets to switch to this alternative fuel. Now it's the market's turn.
It is obvious that there are gains to be made in reducing emissions in freight transport: it is low-hanging fruit. Just last week CBS with updated figures Regarding emissions from freight transport in the Netherlands. In 2018, the Dutch transport sector emitted 26 billion kilograms of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases. This represents 12 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions from the Dutch economy. Within the transport sector, aviation accounts for almost half of greenhouse gas emissions (49 percent), followed by water transport (maritime and inland navigation) (26 percent) and road transport (21 percent).
From controverse to understanding
The situation surrounding liquefied natural gas in Germany and the Netherlands differs in terms of regulations, political policies, tax regulations, and financial policies, among other things. The project mapped these differences and led to knowledge exchange and improved mutual understanding: the parties involved were increasingly able to connect with each other.
The LNG PILOTS project was intended to initiate the development of an LNG infrastructure in the Netherlands and Germany, create a market, and implement technical developments. Within the project, companies, knowledge institutions, and advocacy groups conducted analyses for trimodal infrastructure—heavy goods vehicles, inland vessels, and industrial applications—in ports and industrial parks. Furthermore, logistics concepts for the border region were developed, and technical innovations for fueling stations and storage were further developed. The potential for using bio-LNG was also investigated.
The project explored both opportunities to develop a sound business case and to overcome existing technical challenges. During the project period, GASCOM, DMT, and Nordsol developed several concepts for small-scale gas liquefaction that are ready for commercialization. These concepts were specifically developed for small-scale (bio)LNG applications and for decentralized production.
Technological developments
Five technological applications and innovations were identified and stimulated:
- Robotization of the tank process by Rotec Engineering.
- Dual Fuel engine by Prins Autogas, HAN and GWI.
- Tank innovations by Cryolite, Cryovat and Gebr. Beckman
- Mobile shore power on LNG by Mobile Power and DST
- Education and training by De Lauwershorst, STARK learning and GWI
Robotization of the LNG filling process.
Robotics should make refueling safer. With this application, the driver no longer needs to leave the cab to refuel. The robot, developed by Rotect Engineering, is almost ready for market, and the prototype phase is nearly complete. Market players have already expressed interest in implementing the robotic arm at their own gas stations.
Dual Fuel engine
The latest development is that a new catalyst, developed by Prins Autogas, HAN en GWI extension, can substantially eliminate methane slip: a step closer to realizing a road-legal dual-fuel engine. Dual fuel is an interim step toward achieving a complete LNG infrastructure. Until a complete infrastructure is established, the dual-fuel application can bridge this gap. The engine can be retrofitted to older trucks or serve as an alternative to the – currently – high investment of an LNG truck.
Innovations in LNG tank
Through innovations from Kryolite, Cryovat en Beckmann Brothers The tank can hold more gas, increasing the truck's range. Discussions are currently underway with market participants to put the tank into production.
Mobile shore power on LNG
Mobile Power en STD have developed a mobile shore power unit for the shipping industry that can generate power from liquefied natural gas, as well as produce cold and heat. The unit can be used for multiple applications, such as heating slippery, frozen gangways in winter.
Education and training
During the project period, training concepts were developed by De Lauwershorst, STARK learning en GWI extension for transporters and employees who will be working with LNG tank technology, for both automated applications and manual refueling.
On the way to bio LNG
LNG PILOTS is a good start to further expanding the use of this fuel in the border region. It now needs to be further adopted by the market. The road is largely paved. Ultimately, bio-LNG will become the fuel – (the still fossil-based) LNG is an intermediate step. The project partners envision bio-LNG eventually becoming one of the fuels in the overall mix. It will certainly play an important role for the foreseeable future, as bio-LNG can achieve a long range – ideal for long-distance and heavy-duty transport.
About LNG PILOTS
LNG PILOTS is an Interreg VA project that began in 2016. The project is worth €6,75 million and will run until mid-2019. LNG Pilots (Liquefied Natural Gas Project for the development of innovative solutions for the transport and industrial sectors) is being implemented by a consortium of 41 partners from North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and the Netherlands. The consortium was formed to accelerate the introduction of LNG as an alternative fuel in cross-border freight transport.
