European Commission awards €6.4m for CNG fueling network in Ireland

Gas Networks Ireland, the operator of the Irish gas network, has confirmed that it has secured €6.4m in funding from the EU Commission, which will allow the company to develop the first 14 sites of a planned network of 70 CNG stations around the country. In addition, the EU funding will also support the construction of a renewable gas injection point, and provide support to commercial vehicle owners wishing to purchase dedicated CNG vehicles, ensuring that renewable gas will become part of Ireland’s transport fuel mix.

The development of the new CNG network will commence before the end of 2016, with the first stations opening in early 2017. It will be delivered along the main transport corridors, principally the motorway network. The network will include public filling stations and a number of private stations, with the latter developed in partnership with heavy vehicle fleets.

Under the program, Gas Networks Ireland will be looking for partners to integrate CNG equipment into conventional forecourts throughout the country. This designated fueling infrastructure will allow CNG to be delivered from fast-fill dispensers, with similar fill times to diesel and gasoline. Grant funding to assist in the purchase of CNG vehicles will focus on heavy goods vehicles and buses. Further details on this funding will be outlined in early 2017.

A number of vehicle manufacturers currently provide a comprehensive range of CNG vehicles to Irish fleet operators. As a show of confidence in the market, Iveco launched their ground-breaking, dedicated natural gas Stralis 400 HP truck into the Irish market in 2016. Other major vehicle manufacturers, and their Irish distributors, including Scania, are also expected to launch new CNG models into the Irish market in the coming months.

Denis O’Sullivan, Head of Commercial, Gas Networks Ireland, said: “Not only will this help fund the development of a network of CNG stations, it is an important vote of confidence in the project. Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel and will play a vital role in reducing emissions that cause climate change. Renewable gas will play an even more important role, providing a carbon neutral fuel for the future of our country.”

https://www.ngvjournal.com/european-commission-awards-e6-4m-for-cng-station-network-in-ireland/