Introducing Fuel Usage of LNG in Landlocked Europe

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an alternative, sustainable fuel is already quite common in some European areas. However, as LNG is mainly obtained by sea, there is hardly any possibility to use it in the landlocked regions of Central Europe. Only a few customers know there that LNG is an option; but the biggest obstacle is certainly that no infrastructure exists in these countries. The present paper addresses the issue of introducing LNG application in the described area. For this purpose, the landlocked countries of Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia will especially be focused on. Among others, these are also the countries which participate in a significant European project to implement LNG, namely the European LNG Masterplan. This paper includes an assessment of the advantages and supply options of LNG as well as the potential demand for LNG. But also the challenges and obstacles which impede LNG usage will also be identified and their impact will be evaluated. This includes missing infrastructure as well as safety hazards. Finally, some successful pilot schemes and best practice examples should demonstrate the present implementation status of LNG as a fuel. On the whole, it seems that this technology comprises high potential but still needs to overcome some barriers.