Irish retailer gets €6.4m European fund for CNG stations

Gas Networks Ireland has secured €6.4m in funding from the EU Commission to roll out network of CNG refuelling stations.

The EU funding will allow Gas Networks Ireland to develop the first 14 stations of a planned network of 70 compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations around the country.

In addition to this, 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.

From early 2017, commercial users will be able to switch from vehicles powered by diesel or petrol to a gas alternative. The network will include public filling stations and a number of private stations, with the latter developed in partnership with heavy fuel users.

The development of the new Compressed Natural Gas Network will commence before the end of 2016, with the first stations opening in early 2017. The network will be delivered along the main transport corridors, principally the motorway network.

The most recent SEAI report on energy in transport indicates that transport accounts for approximately 40% of Irish energy consumption and 33% of Irish C02 emissions. 88% of Ireland’s energy demand in 2015 was imported, at a cost of €4.6bn. Almost all fuel used in transport in Ireland is imported.