NGV 2014 confirmed natural gas as fuel of the future

NGV2014 Brussels, the ‘5th International Show & Workshops’ was successfully held from 8 – 10 July.

Taking place in the scope of the recently adopted Directive on the Deployment of Alternative Fuels Infrastructure (including CNG and LNG), the European NGV event of the year underlined the strong alliance between the NGV industry and European policy makers.

The NGVA Europe event hosted by ARGB/Le Gaz Naturel – the Belgian gas industry federation – and organised by NGV Communications Group officially kicked off in the early evening of 8 July with the Opening Ceremony in Brussels Kart Hall 1. The Ceremony’s keynote speech was delivered by EC Vice President and Commissioner in charge of transport Siim Kallas.

In his speech the Commissioner stressed the importance of the Alternative Fuels Directive, a “milestone” on the way to developing a transport system fit for the 21st century. With gas being “a very important element in the whole initiative”, Kallas moreover emphasised the relevance the Directive has for the growth of the European NGV market, to which he referred as “a market likely to develop into a customer base with great potential for European business and manufacturer”.

Though Commission and NGV industry were hoping for even more ambitious targets, the approved Directive certainly provides a solid basis for NG to play a major role in reaching the EU climate goals whilst creating new jobs for Europe, Kallas pointed out. “This is where industry can, and should, play a vital role – both at home and on the world stage – with investment so that Europe achieves its ambitious aims”, he said, before cutting the ribbon and officially inaugurating NGV2014 Brussels.

Press Release, July 18, 2014