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ECN publication
Title:
Development of an alternative fuel infrastructure: What H2 can learn from LPG. The case of LPG/CNG in the Netherlands and other countries
 
Author(s):
 
Published by: Publication date:
ECN Policy Studies 29-4-2010
 
ECN report number: Document type:
ECN-E--10-037 ECN publication
 
Number of pages: Full text:
36 Download PDF  

Abstract:
The introduction of an alternative transport fuel always bears a challenge that is often referred to as a ‘chicken and egg’ problem: while people will only become interested in and start switching to a new fuel if sufficient refuelling stations are available, industry will only start investing in the development of a refuelling infrastructure if the market is sufficiently developed and existing stations are economically viable. Governments have a variety of, for example, fiscal or regulatory measures at hand to facilitate and support the introduction of an alternative transport fuel.

This report describes and analyses the introduction of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) in the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Canada and Argentina. In particular, the report pays attention to the development of station coverage and vehicle numbers for these alternative fuels. Drivers and barriers to the introduction of LPG or CNG, such as fuel price developments, supporting policy instruments or a lack thereof were identified. Main focus are the Netherlands where LPG was introduced in the mid-1950s. A comparison of developments in the Netherlands with the other four countries reveals that well concerted efforts by policy makers and industry supporting a parallel development of vehicle uptake and refuelling station availability may lead to the firm establishment of an alternative fuel market. The report concludes with lessons learned for the introduction of hydrogen as an alternative transport fuel.


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