European Commission funds new HAM initiative to boost LNG market
The European Commission, through the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA), has funded the cHAMeleon initiative among the projects submitted for the 2015 Connect Europe Facility (CEF) Transport Calls for stimulating the implementation of LNG refueling infrastructure network, creating LNG market in new European areas and promote LNG market growth in the road haulage sector.
This action is lead by HAM CRIOGÉNICA, a Spanish company that designs, builds and operates all kinds of LNG and CNG installations in Europe, such as regasification plants and LNG & L-CNG refueling stations, as well as bunkering terminals. In addition, the initiative has also ENOSLNG as partner, which is a Slovenian company responsible for development of the LNG market in the region. They develop their own natural gas liquefaction technology and have a small LNG plant.
The overall objective of the action is to study LNG powered freight market on the Mediterranean Corridor (Barcelona-Ljubljana) through innovative approaches and technologies in order to allow quick deployment of Natural gas as alternative clean fuel in a smart and economical way.
cHAMeleon investigates technological and operational options for carrying out improvements on LNG infrastructure, including vehicles, and LNG logistics service focused on bringing installation and operational costs down and making LNG an attractive commercial viable alternative fuel. The investigation will also address the business-client relation in order to address appropriately client’s needs in the different geographical areas.
During the action, three L-CNG stations will be deployed in three strategic points across the Mediterranean Corridor, in the Port of Barcelona (Spain), in La Jonquera (Spain) and in Ljubljana (Slovenia). Moreover, data will be collected with a view to define the roll out plan of a full network along the Mediterranean corridor. The collection of the data will be achieved through the trial operation and monitoring of the three stations implemented, as well of additional two stations in Italy and one in France, all six located at strategic points of Mediterranean corridor.
cHAMeleon project is total aligned with Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014. This Directive defines a common framework of measures for the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in the European Union in order to minimize dependence on oil and to mitigate the environmental impact of transport. It sets out minimum requirements for the building-up of alternative fuels infrastructure, including networks of LNG stations with non-discriminatory access for LNG-powered vessels and road vehicles. The current lack of infrastructure is the key barrier to development of the LNG vehicle market. Interventions for stimulating implementation of such infrastructure are therefore necessary.
https://www.ngvjournal.com/european-commission-funds-new-ham-initiative-to-boost-lng-adoption/