Ice-Cold and Sustainable on the Road toward Decarbonizing HGVs

Liqvis GmbH has tasked itself with decarbonizing HGVs. Of course, they cannot reach this far-reaching goal alone, but the Uniper subsidiary from Essen has found an ice-cold way to make an important contribution to reducing CO2 emissions: bio-LNG. Silvano Calcagno knows exactly how this alternative fuel can contribute to decarbonization, the milestone that was achieved in 2023 in terms of expansion, and where there are still challenges to overcome. He has been a member of the Liqvis management team since 2017 and knows the details very well.

"LNG or bio-LNG has several advantages over conventional fuels such as diesel, which benefit both the environment and the drivers of the HGVs," explains Calcagno. Of course, the focus is on CO2 reduction, since this is the overarching goal to counteract climate change. "Compared to HGVs that use diesel, fossil LNG reduces CO2 emissions by up to 30%. In the case of bio-LNG, the number can even reach 100%," he explains.

CO2-Neutral Heavy Goods Transport thanks to Bio-LNG

With bio-LNG, HGVs are completely CO2-neutral on the roads — despite being powered by a combustion engine. This is because bio-LNG has a negative CO2 value. "The vehicle only emits the CO2 that we have already removed from the environment. The HGVs therefore run in a CO2-neutral manner." Since this technology provides a valuable basis for decarbonization, Liqvis GmbH is striving to completely convert its network of filling stations from LNG to bio-LNG.

"When purchasing, we attach great importance to procuring only advanced bio-fuel from residual and waste materials," says Calcagno. In the middle of 2023, an important milestone was achieved with regard to the changeover to bio-LNG. "We have had a supply contract with our partner EnviTec for 2 years and have therefore been supporting them in making the relevant investments. The company recently opened the largest bio-LNG plant in Germany in Güstrow." For Liqvis GmbH, this source of supply is a significant step. With 14 LNG filling stations nationally and abroad, Liqvis is the biggest buyer of the fuel from the new bio-LNG plant in Güstrow.

The LNG produced from biomethane is extracted from dried chicken manure at the plant. EnviTec Biogas AG therefore also produces the fuel from residual and waste materials. The company operates a circular economy in a group of companies with Landei, the largest egg producer in Germany — and also produces biomethane as a result of this.

Seamless Technical Conversion to Bio-LNG

Over the years, Liqvis GmbH has built up its network of filling stations with LNG fuel. The current conversion to bio-LNG does not involve any additional effort for the filling stations or for the vehicles. "The process is the same. Instead of fossil LNG, we only fill the fuel pumps with bio-LNG," says Silvano Calcagno. Nothing will change for the drivers of the HGVs either.

"It is important to comply with certain safety regulations when handling LNG." A face shield, long trousers, gloves and sturdy footwear are mandatory when refueling, mainly due to the ice-cold properties of the innovative fuel. "Methane becomes liquid at minus 160 degrees Celsius. It is therefore important for people to protect themselves from possible cryogenic burns." Drivers receive the PPE from their shipping companies. Liqvis can also provide relevant training courses on request, and the response from the transport companies has been very positive. "The drivers like to travel with LNG, because the HGVs run much more quietly and smoothly than conventional HGVs."

LNG Technology Is Still in Its Early Stages. But Why?

"LNG is a solution that is available and works — economically too," explains the expert in the interview. Nevertheless, the decarbonization of HGVs has not yet progressed as far as the German government once planned. "This is partly due to the fact that transportation of goods by road has increased significantly over the last 30 years." Furthermore, it is important to consider every available technology that contributes to this goal, the fuel expert believes. Calcagno sees the fact that the legal and regulatory framework conditions for conventional combustion engines still apply to CO2-neutral HGVs driven with bio-LNG as a major disadvantage. For example, the exemption of the HGV toll for LNG vehicles ended in January 2024. "I would like to see more openness to technology and support from the German government." Of course, it was important to drive forward solutions based on hydrogen or an electric drive, but it is also essential to look at the whole picture. "If we want to achieve the decarbonization of HGVs, we are going to need all technologies." Silvano Calcagno is confident that this way of thinking will establish itself in the long term.

What Is the Future of Bio-LNG?

"At Liqvis, we have already built up a strong strategic network and we are well established in the market. I see excellent opportunities for the expansion of LNG in Germany," says Calcagno. However, the prerequisite for this is the recognition of bio-LNG as a CO2-neutral solution. "This is the only way that bio-LNG can establish itself as a viable choice for decarbonization — alongside alternative technologies." This recognition would be an important step toward ensuring significant growth of the current fleet of around 5000 LNG transport vehicles on Germany's roads in the near future. Liqvis is prepared for this expansion and will continue to actively promote the decarbonization of HGVs with its bio-LNG solutions.