Australia: Victorian Govt Invests AUD 2.5 Mln in LNG Fueling Infrastructure
Trucking operators and the Victorian freight network are set to benefit from an $8.3 million investment that will see five new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) refuelling stations across the state starting at Wodonga, Minister for Regional Cities Denis Napthine announced recently.
Speaking at EVOL, LNG’s launch of a new dual-fuel system that will allow heavy-duty vehicles currently running on diesel to be able to use LNG, Dr Napthine said the Victorian Coalition Government had committed $2.5 million to the project to support further expansion of LNG infrastructure.
“LNG provides a number of advantages for trucking operators including lower fuel costs and lower carbon and nitrogen emissions with LNG vehicles also noticeably quieter than their diesel equivalents,” Dr Napthine said.
“There are currently a number of operators who are currently using or trialling LNG in heavy-duty vehicles but there is only one public refuelling station in Deer Park.
“This funding will allow five more stations to be equipped with LNG refuelling infrastructure and give freight operators the confidence to invest in these more cost-effective and environmentally friendly trucks.
“It will also lower the cost to transport goods to our regions and give our regional producers access to lower cost options for delivering their products to our ports or to market,” Dr Napthine said.
Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the LNG refuelling station initiative complemented the Coalition Government’s Energy for the Regions program, which aimed to provide natural gas to regional and rural communities across Victoria.
“The Coalition Government aims to improve the productive potential of regional Victoria by strengthening regional industries, supporting and growing local economies, and providing opportunities through investment with strategic infrastructure,” Mr Ryan said.
Mr Ryan said the LNG refuelling stations were the perfect example of the Coalition Government’s commitment toward dedicated energy infrastructure investments across Victoria.
“The Coalition Government is constantly investing in infrastructure and services, while building networks, creating employment and improving necessary facilities,” Mr Ryan said.
“We are determined to deliver on our commitment to extend access to natural gas across regional Victoria and encourage greater investment in the regions through new industry and business opportunities.”
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LNG World News Staff, August 16, 2012
