Metrology for LNG

Friday 7 October 2011 representatives from TNO, 3TU and VSL put their signatures to the foundation of the LNG TR&D (LNG Technology, Research & Development) Association. Dr. Mart van Bracht (TNO), Peter van Alphen (VSL) and Professor Gerard van der Steenhoven (3TU) will serve as the association's governing board.

LNG TR&D was set up to cluster knowledge and expertise of the whole LNG chain and to get the Netherlands at the forefront of LNG technology and application. The aim of LNG TR&D is to remove innovation barriers and so strengthen the knowledge and competitive position of companies in the energy sector. LNG TR&D will take on a key role in the development of new R&D projects. The first tangible LNG R&D programme (STW Partnership Programme) is already well advanced. This programme will see postgraduate studies in areas like improved LNG production, with the graduates and knowledge progressing into industry. The association will also help to link the demand and supply of LNG test and calibration facilities as well as stimulate their development where necessary.

Shell, Gasunie, Vopak, SBM Offshore, Imtech Nederland, Cofely / GDF Suez, DeMaCo, Cryonorm and KH Engineering will have Seats on the association’s Advisory Board.

Natural gas revenues have traditionally contributed to prosperity in the Netherlands. However, since the gas reserves in the Dutch subsurface are finite, alternatives such as the input and storage of liquid methane gas (LNG = Liquefied Natural Gas) are necessary. The Dutch government regards gas as a major component in the energy mix and, moreover, of significant economic value for the Netherlands. Therefore, the Dutch government has expressed its ambition for the country to act as a gas hub for Western Europe. LNG can contribute to continued prosperity in the Netherlands through raising the level of expertise, business and employment in the LNG sector among the industry, research and academic communities. LNG TR&D will be the driving force behind this.

LNG TR&D targets:

• Position green, alternative fuel as part of the European policy to reduce CO2, NOx and SOx emissions.
  
• Contribute to the development of the new technologies needed for the infrastructure and use of LNG as fuel.
  
• LNG TR&D will be the driving force in terms of government law and legislation on the use and transport of LNG for shipping and road transport.
  
• LNG TR&D will draft the LNG Innovation Contract together with the industry, research and academic communities before 31 December 2011 as requested by the Ministry of Economy, Agriculture and Innovation in line with the Top Sectors policy document "To the Top".
  
• LNG TR&D will strive to realise a unique European LNG knowledge and test facility in the Netherlands based on the wishes of the market and the government.

More information at: www.lngtrend.eu