NATURAL GAS FOR CARS AND TRUCKS: OPTIONS AND CHALLENGES - Natural Gas-powered Cars and Trucks: Options and Issues - page 13

Trucks and LNG
LNG refueling infrastructure is not yet as developed as the CNG network.
Stations use LNG produced off-site at liquefaction facilities. The fuel is then
trucked to the refueling station for use. 59 LNG refueling is similar to diesel
refueling and takes about the same amount of time: fuel is dispensed at
pressures of 30-120 psi. 60 However, the cryogenic nature of LNG requires the
person filling the tank to use safety equipment, such as gloves and eye
protection. 61 In addition to filling stations, LNG is available from mobile
tanker trucks with onboard metering and dispensing capacity.
Refueling stations are being built primarily on major interstate highways
used by long-haul trucks and at wide intervals, since the trucks can usually
travel about 500 miles without refueling. According to DOE, 64 public LNG
stations are open ( Figure 5 ), and another 82 are planned. The public network is
being built by three investor groups. Clean Energy Fuels and Pilot Flying J, a
truck stop operator, are building an LNG infrastructure known as ―America's
Natural Gas Highway,‖ which will have over 200 stations in 33 states when
completed. 62 Shell Oil Company has announced plans to build 200 LNG
stations across the country in conjunction with truck stop operators
TravelCenters of America and Petro Stopping Centers. These truck stops will
also have LNG truck repair and servicing capability. 63 Blu.LNG, a Utah-based
company, is building an infrastructure in that state and adjoining western states
as well as in a few Midwestern states. 64
Source: CRS map developed using DOE data, http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/
natural_gas_locations.html.
Figure 5. LNG Refueling Stations. (Open in 2014)