Redexis, an integrated energy infrastructure company, and Cepsa, a global energy company, have reached an agreement to create the largest network of vehicular natural gas (VNG) refueling stations in Spain in a bid to expand the supply of energy solutions and foster sustainable mobility.
Both companies are firmly committed to giving Spain a nationwide network of natural gas refueling infrastructure for both light and heavy vehicles; a network that is easy to access and with refueling times similar to those of traditional hydrocarbon pumps.
Redexis will invest 30 million euros between 2019 and 2021 in the construction and maintenance of 50 gas refueling points located at Cepsa Service Stations in Spain, including both LNG (liquefied natural gas, used by heavy transport) and CNG (compressed natural gas, used by light vehicles), while Cepsa will handle the supply and sale of the gas. The alliance is aiming to reach a total of 80 service stations by the end of 2023 with a total investment of 60 million euros
This network of vehicular natural gas stations will have state-of-the-art equipment. It will be deployed not only in urban areas, but also across the country’s main transport corridors, so that both heavy and light vehicles can travel safe in the knowledge that they have a network of natural gas refueling points close at hand.
During the agreement signing ceremony, Fernando Bergasa, chairman at Redexis, said: “We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with Cepsa, because it will enable to take a huge step forward in both qualitative and quantitative terms in the provision of natural gas refueling infrastructure in Spain. At Redexis, we are committed to making investments that help the country to undertake new challenges in terms of sustainability and respect for the environment. At the same time, we express our interest in the development of sustainable mobility through alternative fuels, which contribute to efficiency, sustainability and economic progress.”
Meanwhile, Pedro Miró, Cepsa’s vice-chairman and CEO, highlighted: “Through this relevant agreement with Redexis, we will continue to expand our portfolio of energy solutions, with the aim of providing customers with all the energy they need. We are confident that through this alliance we will be making significant improvements to gas mobility within Spain, for the transport of both people and goods.”
Each year, the Spanish automobile sector has been raising its growth forecasts for gas vehicles, with new models and conversions on the market. At year-end 2018, natural gas vehicle registrations stood at 5,745, up 145% on the previous year, while estimates from the main manufacturers suggest that light gas vehicles will total some 80,000 in 2021.
ADVANTAGES OF VEHICULAR NATURAL GAS
Vehicle gas is a viable option for sustainable mobility, as it reduces CO2 emissions, and also eliminates the emission of particles and sulphur oxides, helping to improve air quality in cities and reduce noise pollution. The vehicles are more autonomous, just as safe and equally as powerful as other combustion engines. Aside from being cost-competitive —gas vehicle owners pay less road tax— they can also be driven in high pollution stages because their windshield bears the ECO card of the National Department of Traffic (DGT, from its Spanish initials), which is a huge benefit when driving through large cities with traffic restrictions in place. VNG vehicles are suitable for all types of mobility: urban, intercity or long-distance driving.
Using VNG as a fuel for light and heavy vehicles generates a 30% cost saving per kilometer when compared to diesel and a 50% saving compared to gasoline. Gas models boast an impressive range: they can travel up to 1,300 kilometers without refueling thanks to their bi-fuel gas/gasoline tanks.
About Cepsa
Cepsa is a global energy company, which operates in an integrated manner throughout the value chain stages of hydrocarbons, in addition to the manufacture of products from raw materials of plant origin, and which has a presence in the renewable energy sector.
It has 90 years of experience and a team of some 10,000 employees, who combine technical excellence with adaptability. It has presence on all five continents through its business areas: Exploration and Production, Refining, Chemicals, Marketing, Gas and Electricity, and Trading.
About Redexis
Redexis is an integrated energy infrastructure company heavily involved in the development and operation of natural gas transmission and distribution networks, the distribution and sale of liquefied petroleum gas and the promotion of renewable applications for both gas and hydrogen. It operates more than 10,500 kilometers of its own energy infrastructure across 11 autonomous communities, providing Spanish homes, businesses and industries with access to new, more sustainable and efficient energy sources. Redexis is also championing vehicular natural gas through investments in new infrastructure for mobility. The company has a robust and continuous expansion plan in place, with 1.3 billion euros invested since 2010, and its continuing aim is to create lasting value across the communities in which it operates. Redexis has generated more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.