First mobile self-service LNG station opens in Czech Republic
GasNet, a domestic leader in natural gas distribution, has successfully launched the first mobile public self-service LNG filling station. The new facility is located in Klecany, at the Volvo Group Truck Centre Prague-North, a short distance from the D8 motorway and only 8 km from the Czech capital city. This modern and environmentally friendly technology is available 24/7 to truck drivers.
“LNG is an economical, environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to conventional fuels for freight transport. The LNG technology of tractors has been well tried and tested for more than 20 years. We are convinced that LNG trucks will increase rapidly in our country, at a similar pace as in the case of CNG. We believe that LNG will play a key role in achieving the Czech Republic’s environmental goals in the area of reducing emissions,” said Thomas Merker, GasNet’s Chief Financial Officer. “We want to work to build a market for LNG in freight transport. We therefore consider the commissioning of our first mobile station to be an important milestone. It is also a clear signal to carriers who want to make it easier for LNG to access and make this technology and infrastructure available to them.”
“Our experts are ready to train drivers and show that refueling vehicles on LNG is as easy as refueling with diesel vehicles,” commented Filip Dostál, Head of Business Development, GasNet. “We have chosen one of the most modern technologies available, which enables seamless and fast refueling of all brands of trucks on LNG, Volvo, Scania and Iveco. Drivers can refuel themselves after a short training and the pumping time is the same as for diesel. Within 10 minutes, the tank is full.”
Interest in LNG as a modern and environmentally friendly fuel has recently risen significantly throughout Europe. Even in the Czech Republic, greater use of LNG vehicles is currently the only tried and true option for meeting the EU’s emission targets in freight transport. Compared to diesel engines, LNG vehicles have significantly lower emissions, lower noise, and lower operating costs with a comparable range.
According to the National Action Plan for Clean Mobility, 6,900 LNG trucks should drive on domestic roads by 2030 and there should be 30 filling stations. “Currently, LNG is generally considered a very promising fuel. We are also seeing dynamic growth elsewhere in Europe, most recently in Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands. We also see great potential in this area for the Czech Republic, which is why we have been active here for a long time. We participated in testing vehicles on LNG; we cooperate with car manufacturers and of course also with carriers. We want and will definitely continue to strengthen our presence and active role in kick-starting the domestic LNG market,” added T. Merker.
