Bilfinger and Greeen Solutions have signed a framework agreement covering engineering, assembly and services for LNG filling stations. The goal is to establish a comprehensive filling station network for trucks powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) – a more environmentally friendly alternative to diesel.

Bilfinger EMS will serve as technology partner of Greeen Solutions for the design, construction and maintenance of the LNG filling stations. The Cloppenburg-based company will contribute its engineering expertise to approval planning for future LNG filling station locations and will also coordinate other planning services. Furthermore, Bilfinger EMS will carry out technical inspections for plant function, plant safety and conformity with German laws and standards. Bilfinger EMS will also provide qualified personnel for the installation, technical testing and commissioning of the filling stations. The systems will be monitored 24/7 and, if necessary, assistance can be provided by telephone or on site. The first LNG filling stations ordered by Greeen Solutions from Bilfinger EMS will be installed before the end of this year at locations in Bremen (A 281 freight center), Melle (A 30), Cologne (A 4 freight center), Greding (A 9) and Ettenheim (A 5). The filling stations will be operated by Alternoil GmbH, on whose behalf Greeen Solutions is acting as project developer.

In October 2019, Alternoil opened what was at the time the largest LNG filling station in Europe in the city of Bakum (Lower Saxony, Germany). This project was the starting point for the long-term establishment of more environmentally friendly fuels for heavy goods traffic. This year, ten additional LNG filling stations are already under construction or in the approval phase. In order to make the network accessible to as many freight forwarders as possible, Alternoil is using the existing infrastructure, enabling service station operators to supply LNG at their current locations. For fleet operators looking to switch to LNG trucks, Alternoil can also provide LNG directly at their sites. To facilitate this, an integrated concept is being pursued, covering planning, construction, smooth operation and maintenance of the stations as well as the supply of LNG.

In the future, heavy goods traffic on German roads is expected to have a much lower impact on the environment and climate than is currently the case. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure has launched a program of subsidies for heavy goods vehicles intended to make it easier for freight forwarders to switch from diesel to alternative drive systems. There is a clear trend towards LNG. The prerequisite for the widespread use of LNG trucks is the existence of a comprehensive network of filling stations. An EU directive stipulates that LNG vehicles must be able to fill up with LNG anywhere in the European transport network without difficulty by 2025 at the latest.

About Bilfinger

Bilfinger EMS GmbH, a subsidiary of leading international industrial services provider Bilfinger, has been active across multiple disciplines in engineering, plant construction and maintenance for more than four decades. The range of services covers consulting, development, planning, construction, assembly and commissioning as well as maintenance.

About Alternoil

Alternoil GmbH was founded in 2006 in the northern German municipality of Steinfeld and currently generates sales of about €80 million.

About Greeen Solutions

Greeen Solutions GmbH is a young company founded in 2019 and based in Bremen. As a pioneer in the field of plant engineering for alternative and advanced fuels, the company's range of services covers the maintenance, monitoring and installation of LNG/CNG filling stations.