Modern electrical fast charger to electrical or hybrid PHEV automobiles. ()
The Industrial Revolution in Europe set in motion a never-ending domino effect of direct and indirect benefits across the continent. The continent is now an economic superpower, a manufacturing hub and a critical cog in the global economy. Unfortunately, increased industrialization over the last couple of centuries has contributed to the constant degradation of the continent’s environment and climate. The average temperature now rises by at least 1°C per century. Our planet now experiences extreme and unpredictable weather patterns, and the sea level is up by almost 20 centimeters. European nations, along with the rest of the world, are seeing the consequences of climate change.
In 2015, the EU and its members agreed to counter the effects of climate change by signing the Paris Agreement on climate change. The key component of the agreement was how the countries would cut down on their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to carbon-neutral energy sources. This agreement has since evoked many deliberate efforts by players in Europe’s energy sector to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. One of these efforts is the increased conversion of traditional gas stations into eco-friendly energy stations as evidenced by the following.
More Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations in Europe
Europe’s energy sector is taking advantage of LNG’s eco-friendliness to cut down on carbon emissions as it transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy. At the heart of this transition is the Natural & bio Gas Vehicle Association (NGVA Europe), an organization that advocates for and facilitates the adoption of natural and renewable gas in 31 EU countries. The organization brings together 114 members, comprising vehicle manufacturers, gas suppliers, and gas distributors. NGVA’s statistics in February 2022 showed that there now are 500 LNG stations across Europe.
This exponential growth shows a clear intent across the content to move away from traditional gas stations to the eco-friendlier LNG fueling network. The continent also benefits from the efforts of renowned LNG investors such as Steven J. Kean (CEO, Kinder Morgan), Toby Z. Rice (CEO of EQT), Jack A Fusco (CEO of Cheniere Energy), and Joe Sigelman of AG&P. The tremendous investment efforts made by these industry leaders have made LNG easily available for Europe’s heavy-duty vehicles and the maritime sector.
Ultra-fast Car Charging
Electric vehicles are proving to be a game changer with regard to sustainable mobility. Gas stations in Europe are tapping into the potential of electricity-powered vehicles by providing them with ultra-fast car charging technology. Users now can charge their cars at 44 kilowatts, which brings down recharging times to 5-10 minutes- more or less the same as traditional refueling times. Ultra-fast recharging locations are becoming more popular, with main roads in regions such as the Iberian Peninsula having at least one recharging point every 50 kilometers.
Green Hydrogen Refueling Stations
In July 2022, H2Benelux launched the first of eight public hydrogen filling stations in Leuven, Belgium. This was done in conjunction with the country’s CEF Transport program and the DATS 24. Apart from Belgium, the H2Benelux project will see the inauguration of hydrogen filling stations in Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Hydrogen is a sustainable energy alternative to fossil fuels, which means the H2Benelux project will go a long way in decarbonizing Europe’s energy sector.
Alternative Fuels at Service Stations
Today, gas stations across Europe are stocking up on biofuels on top of their traditional fuels. Biofuels are a product of biological waste, and their carbon emissions are between 0% and 35% relative to fossil fuels. On top of being a raw material for making carbon-neutral fuels, gas stations can use renewable hydrogen to power fuel-cell electric vehicles. Another alternative fuel that gas stations are offering is carbon-neutral synthetic gasoline/diesel, a product of renewable hydrogen and captured CO2.
Britain’s Repurposed Gas-Fired Power Station
The US-based company General Electric is repurposing a decommissioned gas-fired power station in Lincolnshire, England, into a battery storage facility. The project is aimed at hastening wind power generation in 43 onshore wind farms in Lincolnshire. The project will be completed in early 2023 and will have an estimated capacity of 100-megawatt hours of renewable energy. Such large-scale storage systems are instrumental in Europe’s quest to depend fully on renewable energy sources.
Final word
Gas stations as we know them will inevitably change and make room eco-friendly energy solutions. In the short term, gas stations will have to strike a healthy balance between traditional fuels and sustainable energy sources, e.g., biofuels, electric charging and renewable hydrogen. You might even notice them installed in your town’s local gas station or during your travels, so it is good to know more about the role they play in a renewable energy future.
