Cooperation with Hitachi Zosen Inova AG
A collaboration between Hitachi Zosen Inova AG and RAG is opening the way for new advances towards a green fuel future. With biogas as a starting point, LNG – already a low-emission product – is turned into a renewable transport fuel, LBG.
Opting for biogas means that truck operation is carbon neutral, as the gas is renewable, and is locally produced in Austria.
RAG has a long track record as a pioneer in the use of LNG in transportation. Since 2017 the company has been employing ultra low temperature compression (ULTC) technology to manufacture low-emission LNG fuel, which is marketed via filling stations in Upper Austria (Ennshafen) and Styria (Graz) in cooperation with petrol station operator Leitner.
The strict environmental requirements of the Euro 6 emissions standard can easily be met by LNG. In comparison with diesel, LNG cuts emissions of sulphur oxide and fine particulates by 95%, those of nitrogen oxide by over 70%, and those of carbon dioxide by up to 15%. Noise emissions from LNG vehicles can be as much as 50% lower than those of diesel vehicles. In other words, LNG already offers the possibility of environmentally friendly mobility and there is also a case to be made for it in terms of operating costs. Running costs are an important factor for road hauliers and other fleet operators, and with LNG vehicles fuel costs undercut conventional fuels such as diesel. A number of EU initiatives are therefore promoting increased use of natural gas and LNG as transport fuels.
