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Jun 21, 2021 at 3:35 PMVERBIO and OrangeGas are expanding their collaboration. All approximately 120 German OrangeGas stations supply 100 percent BioCNG from VERBIO. The extended partnership also brings more service for freight forwarders and logistics service providers, who are a growth focus for OrangeGas, the market leader in CNG stations in Germany.
(Leipzig) It is the continuation of a success story: VERBIO Vereinigte BioEnergie AG and OrangeGas are expanding their collaboration. The gas station network of the German subsidiary of the leading Dutch energy supplier has grown significantly since entering the German market. Today, the company operates around 120 CNG stations nationwide. OrangeGas relies on 100 percent BioCNG from VERBIO.
Successful Collaboration Since 2019
OrangeGas entered the German gas station market in 2017 and has since developed into the market leader in operating CNG stations in Germany. After acquiring 75 CNG stations from the Oldenburg utility company EWE in July 2020, OrangeGas now operates around 120 stations across the country. Since 2019, VERBIO has been supplying the CNG stations of OrangeGas with biomethane from residual materials and straw. The environmentally friendly fuel is now also available at the stations recently acquired from EWE.
Focus on Fleet Customers and the Transport and Logistics Sector
OrangeGas’s growth focus in Germany is on fleet customers as well as the transport and logistics sector. Recently, OrangeGas has been scoring points with an innovative pricing strategy: BioCNG costs uniformly 99.9 ct/kg for gas quality L and 112.9 ct/kg for gas quality H at all OrangeGas locations in Germany. This corresponds to a diesel comparison price of around 85 cents/liter (gross). “We want fleet operators to be able to calculate the use of BioCNG safely,” explains Johan Bloemsma, Germany CEO of OrangeGas. This aims to further facilitate the transition to the climate-friendly and cost-effective fuel for companies. “It is important to us to offer our customers a truly sustainable alternative to gasoline and diesel – that’s why we are collaborating with VERBIO in Germany,” emphasizes Bloemsma.
Demand for Biomethane Among Freight Forwarders Has Increased Significantly
The CEO of VERBIO AG, Claus Sauter, is pleased about the expansion of the partnership: “The demand for biomethane as a climate-friendly alternative to diesel has increased significantly, especially among freight forwarders. More and more companies are converting their truck fleets entirely or partially to operate with BioCNG and BioLNG, thus reducing CO2 emissions by about 90 percent. Through the cooperation with OrangeGas, we provide them with an improved refueling infrastructure. Our biomethane from residual materials and straw is now available nationwide at a total of 200 CNG stations. Additionally, in the coming months, we will launch our first own BioCNG and BioLNG stations at our production sites in Zörbig and Schwedt.”
Biomethane and Biofuels on the Rise
Biomethane and biofuels benefit from improved political framework conditions. On May 20, 2021, the Bundestag passed a new version of the greenhouse gas reduction quota (THG quota). This will increase from the current 6 percent to 25 percent – continuously from 2022 to 2030.
This is an incentive for new investments in innovative climate-friendly fuels, such as biomethane from straw. In the logistics sector, the toll exemption for CNG/LNG trucks, which is valid until the end of 2023, and the newly launched funding program from the Federal Ministry of Transport for the acquisition of low-emission trucks further incentivize the transition to gas-powered truck drives. According to manufacturers like Traton, SCANIA, or MAN, battery-electric solutions for heavy road freight transport are not expected before 2030.
CNG/LNG Route Planner and gibgas CNG App for Freight Forwarders
According to gibgas, a consulting company specializing in CNG and LNG mobility, the expansion of the necessary CNG/LNG refueling infrastructure is also progressing. Currently, there are over 4,000 CNG and 400 LNG stations in operation across Europe. The EU route planner offered by gibgas as an app and on the internet lists all CNG stations with important service information on technical details, biomethane content, gas quality, opening hours, and payment options in a clear manner. As a special highlight, the truck suitability will also be indicated in the future. This facilitates route planning for freight forwarding customers. Details on the LNG stations in operation can also be found on the website of the European organization for CNG/LNG mobility, NGVA.
Strong Partnership
The CNG Club, which is committed to CNG mobility and will also focus on LNG in the future, is also pleased about positive market developments and strong collaborations: “Together with our club partners OrangeGas, VERBIO, and gibgas, we not only support the environmental awareness of every individual CNG car driver, but we also assist companies with CNG or LNG-powered trucks and buses in achieving ambitious climate goals while simultaneously achieving long-term cost advantages in the operation of the vehicles,” emphasizes President Miklós Graf Dezasse.
Photo: © VERBIO
