Business Region Göteborg, together with industry and transport authorities, has received SEK 23.95 million (almost USD 3.3 million) in Energy Agency funds for demonstration projects for long-distance biomethane trucks and bus. The project aims to produce a strong market-rate alternative to diesel-powered heavy vehicles. AB Volvo and Volvo Buses are the OEM project participants.
The project uses the term “BiMe” – a reference to methane gas engine (MDE) technology using compressed and liquefied biomethane. Liquefied biomethane infrastructure is being expanded to allow the use of LNG trucks.
Bernt Svensén, chairman of the Biogas West and Business Development of sustainable transport, at Business Region Göteborg, said, “These are examples of projects driving the development of energy efficient and renewable fueled heavy vehicles. Now we can seriously present a strong alternative to traditional diesel engines and open up a new market for biogas.”
The projects will develop biogas technology in all its various stages – production, distribution and automotive part – thereby allowing for heavy vehicles to meet the tough environmental standards being set for them now and in the future. This development of BiMe trucks and buses is described as having a unique potential to develop a market for heavy duty vehicles powered by liquid biomethane in Sweden and open up environmental technology export opportunities.
SEK 19 million will be invested in the development of an energy-efficient MDE truck engine. The project’s goals include 67 long-distance heavy duty trucks being powered by liquid biomethane and at least three filling stations, one each in Göteborg, Stockholm and Malmo.
Truck project participants are AB Volvo, along with the leading biogas suppliers in Sweden, AGA, Eon and FordonsGas. Business Region Göteborg, which includes Energas Sweden and Biogas West, is the project manager. The project is co-funded by the Västra Götaland region.
SEK 4.95 million will be invested in the development of an energy-efficient MDE bus engine suitable for regional transportation, aiming to have 20 biomethane-powered buses on the road by project end.
Bus project participants are Västtrafik, Uppland Local, Länstrafiken in Orebro and Volvo Buses. Again, Business Region Göteborg is the project manager.
Item primarily compiled using information from a Business Region Göteborg press release.
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