New liquefied gas filling stations for heavy-duty vehicles in the Nordic region

24.04.2019

Demand for cleaner fuel alternatives is increasing sharply. Over the next few years, Gasum will open liquefied gas filling stations for heavy-duty vehicles in Sweden, Norway and Finland. Gasum has engaged COWI to help out with the endeavour.

Liquefied gas will play an important role when changing over to a fossil-free society. By replacing diesel with liquefied biogas (LBG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG), it is possible to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (NOx), particles and noise substantially.

Over the course of 2019 and 2020, Finnish company Gasum will expand its LBG/LNG filling station network to Sweden and Norway. The stations will be strategically placed at important locations along major thoroughfares.

The venture is being launched in all three countries at the same time so that hauliers can easily refuel no matter the country. The goal is to add around 50 new filling stations in the Nordic countries by 2020. Half of the stations are being planned for Sweden.

"Every week we talk to logistics buyers and transport companies who want their logistics to be more environmentally friendly while lowering the fuel costs. Liquid gas meets these requirements. Together with COWI, we are now building the infrastructure to provide this solution across the Nordics," says Mikael Antonsson, Director Traffic Sweden, Gasum.

Multitasking is essential

COWI was awarded a framework agreement which includes localisation, planning and permit management, as well as project design, procurement and construction management of the new filling stations. The agreement comprises most stations in Sweden and Norway.

The areas of expertise required for the project include: process, electricity, risk and safety, traffic planning, construction, environment, and land and water.

“It is very gratifying to work with Gasum as the company sets up operations in Sweden and Norway. This is an exciting and challenging project where many disciplines need to be coordinated. For example, we are currently working on seven new filling stations simultaneously, so multitasking is essential,” says COWI Project Manager Alexander Erskine.

The framework agreement applies during 2019-2020.

Within the framework of the Climate Leap initiative, Gasum has received investment aid for several stations in Sweden from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.