Volvo Trucks and Shell have signed an agreement to collaborate internationally in the introduction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a commercial fuel in heavy trucks. Based on Metanodiél's Volvo technology in which trucks can use LNG LNG experience Shell infrastructure , both companies will coordinate their activities and support each other to expand the use of LNG in the transport sector.
" Shell is a key piece in this market and we are one of the manufacturers of leading trucks with an energetically efficient gas truck. We are convinced that together we can improve and accelerate the introduction of LNG in the transport sector, not only for our own products, but also as a way of inspiration to others," says Lennart Pilskog, director of Public Affairs of Volvo Trucks .
The collaboration agreement has already begun, and the first step has focused on selecting markets in Europe and the United States.
This contract is not exclusive to any of the parties, so that future collaborations can be made with other partners.
Gas for long -distance transport
Natural gas is used today compressed ( CNG ) in urban buses and commercial vehicles. However, to be able to cover long distances, the vehicle must be able to store a large amount of fuel in its deposits. This is possible if the engine can work with LNG , since the liquefied gas has less volume.
The Metanodiése Volvo is equipped with a technology that uses liquefied gas in its main deposit, and is already available in Spain, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom and soon in Italy and France.
"We see great potential in our gas truck, and we will continue to introduce it in more markets as the development of our production capacity and the development of the infrastructure dedicated to gas. The use of liquefied natural gas combined with diesel is very energetically efficient, and we believe that this new fuel option could be predominant in industrial vehicles in the future," concludes Lennart Pilskog.
The expansion of the use of LNG will also facilitate the distribution of liquefied biogas (LBG) produced from renewable sources.
On natural gas and biogas
both natural gas and biogas are composed, mainly methane. natural gas is combusted , it emits less CO2 than diesel, and does not emit sulfide, heavy metals or ashes to the atmosphere. natural gas reserves are greater than oil crude oil. Biogas is neutral to the environment, and can occur from waste and other organic sources.
gas (LNG) is natural gas cooled until liquefy. It is mainly used to produce electricity and for heating, which makes it very accessible. It is generally less expensive than diesel.
