Construction on Australia’s first Micro-LNG plant officially commenced today when The Premier of Tasmania, David Bartlett, participated in a ground-breaking ceremony at Westbury, Tasmania.
The Micro-LNG plant will be operated by BOC who is is investing $150 million across Tasmania in the construction and operation of the Micro-LNG plant and supplying six re-fuelling stations to LNG Refuellers.
BOC’s South Pacific Managing Director, Colin Isaac said this is an Australian first.
“This Micro-LNG plant is being built with the specific purpose of supplying LNG to the heavy transport sector. The Westbury plant will produce fuel that will be distributed by LNG Refuellers.
“The plant produces enough fuel for about 120 trucks and will be available to any Tasmanian fleet operator wanting to reap the benefits of this fuel.
“This plant will prove BOC’s capability to roll out similar projects nationwide.
“Once operational this plant will have the capacity to produce 50-tonnes a day of LNG which is the equivalent of 70,000 litres of conventional diesel.
is the perfect alternative to diesel for transport operators from a commercial, economic and environmental perspective.
“LNG releases up to 20% less greenhouse gases compared to diesel. Another advantage of LNG is its stable price, making it an ideal fuel for transport operators.
“During the construction phase our investment will provide 30 to 40 jobs for Tasmanians,” said Isaac.
The Chairman of LNG Refuellers, Ken Padgett, said it’s great to be involved in an alternative fuel for trucking.
“Our three year search for an alternative to diesel ended when we decided to use LNG and started to work with BOC to develop an LNG solution as our fuel of the future.”
Premier Bartlett said he is proud to provide a business environment where BOC has chosen Tasmania to lead the Australian industry implementing their world-class expertise in the alternative fuel space.
“This is innovation in action and an important investment in new generation jobs.
“LNG also fits in perfectly with the Governments agenda for low emission transport solutions,” concluded the Premier.
The plant is expected to be fully operational by July 2010.