Shell BioLNG Frequently Asked Questions

LNG is a competitively priced fuel for heavy trucks, which can both lower the operating costs as well as the emissions. Shell aims for full carbon-neutrality – i.e. 0 g CO2 eq/MJ throughout its expanded network of LNG gas stations, which means a supply chain that balances bioLNG and LNG in a way so we achieve carbon-neutrality for our customers. In addition, LNG emits negligible SOx or particulate matters when burnt, thus it helps reduce local air pollution. BioLNG can even be carbon negative depending on the feedstock used. Our customers will also experience lower fuel costs thanks to the competitive price Shell offers for carbon-neutral LNG compared to diesel.

This is similar to LNG.

Yes. They are physically and chemically identical (CH4).

BioLNG is (just like LNG) a clear, colourless and non-toxic liquid which forms when natural gas is cooled to -162ºC (-260ºF). It is not flammable nor explosive as a liquid. When it begins to vaporize it is potentially flammable and explosive, but only within the range of 5% – 15% natural gas in air. At less than 5% there is not enough natural gas to burn, while at more than 15% there is not enough oxygen to burn. LNG is non-toxic. The low temperature of LNG can cause cold burns; hence personnel are required to wear personal protective equipment during transfer activities.

Shell BioLNG offers the potential for customers to have carbon neutral heavy-duty transport. As part of the project Shell is committed to developing low carbon intensity biomethane supplies, with the objective of reducing most, if not all, of our customers’ carbon emissions from heavy duty transport when your business chooses Shell LNG for transport. This development offers customers the potential to have net zero emission logistics, at competitive and affordable prices, without compromising performance.

Shell aims to source sustainable biomethane produced from organic feedstock that meets several sustainability criteria like low carbon-intensity, animal welfare, sustainable land-use and alike. As such, Shell prefers biomethane produced from manure to leverage advantages such as very low to negative carbon-intensity and contributing to waste avoidance. In European markets, Shell follows the mandatory guideline set by the Renewable Energy Directive and Shell ensures the feedstock is certified as sustainable.

The RED II (Renewable Energy Directive) established an overall policy for the production and promotion of energy renewable sources in the European Union.

Biogas production is widespread and established in Germany. Around 8,500 biogas plants produce biogas for coupled electricity and heat generation. In around 200 plants, biogas is processed into biomethane and then fed into the gas grid (DBFZ 2017; dena* 2018). The biomethane fed in is taken from the gas grid on the balance sheet and is mainly used for coupled electricity and heat generation (dena 2018). For the production of biogas, mainly renewable raw materials such as maize and cereals and to a lesser extent manure, agricultural residues, municipal and industrial biowaste are used.

According to dena, the potential for substrates that can be used for the production of advanced fuels according to Annex IX Part A RED2 is 168-218 PJ and is largely undeveloped. These include manure, solid manure, municipal biowaste and straw, but also numerous residues from milk processing as well as paper and pulp production.

*German energy agency

Shell with provide a statement of carbon savings and customers can send independent auditors to control the process.

Carbon intensity is calculated basis an ISCC audited well to wheel carbon footprint methodology leading to a final accredited carbon intensity (ISCC).

ISCC website

Well-to-wheel takes the entire supply chain including combustion on the engine into the calculation whereas tank-to-wheel only considers the truck combustion and performance.

The standard network blend will be taken as a basis for the calculation and will be topped up with additional bioLNG allocation to reach the agreed savings.

A carbon dioxide equivalent or CO2 equivalent, abbreviated as CO2-eq is a metric measure used to compare the emissions from various greenhouse gases on the basis of their global-warming potential (GWP), by converting amounts of other gases to the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide with the same global warming potential.

Nordsol, Renewi and Shell have joined forces to collectively contribute to the energy transition in the transport sector. Each party has its own role in the collaboration. Renewi collects organic waste in the Netherlands from the food industry, the catering industry and retail. Renewi converts the biomass into biogas in a digester. Nordsol then turns it into bioLNG on-site. Shell in turn invests in the development of Nordsol and ensures that the fuel eventually ends up in the customer’s tank at the gas station.

In the Nordsol installation, the biogas extracted from organic waste is converted into bioLNG and liquid bio-CO2, a transparent and fair supply chain. Biogas consists of approximately 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide (CO2). The technology makes it possible to efficiently separate pure methane from the biogas and liquefy it into bioLNG. The CO2 by-product is reused in the market and therefore ensures an additional CO2 emission reduction. This leads to a 100% CO2 neutral fuel.

Renewi collects organic waste throughout the Netherlands, such as expired products, processes this waste and converts it into biogas during its fermentation

Fossil LNG and bioLNG are physically and chemically identical fuels and can be blended together. The goal is to be offering only molecules coming from biomethane i.e. physical bioLNG. For now, Shell will start blending smaller volumes and scaling them up over time to achieve a carbon neutral fuel. This is called a mass balancing approach.

Shell aims to source as much sustainable biomethane produced from organic feedstock as possible that meets several sustainability criteria like low (negative) carbon-intensity, animal welfare, sustainable land-use and alike. Biomethane supplies produced from such preferred feedstock is still limited and therefore Shell may need to use some fossil LNG in order to balance supply and demand in the supply chain.

No, unfortunately it is not yet possible to psychically refuel 100% bioLNG at the LNG locations in Europe. Ultimately, our ambition is to have this realized around 2025.

Shell is continuously developing bioLNG supply opportunities across Europe. Timing depends on development of local regulation and route to market.

We will blend Shell bioLNG into the Dutch network to be able to offer further CO2 savings into the market, this saving includes transport to our LNG sites and site operations in NL. This can physically differ per station depending on optimization of supply into the network.

Shell is exploring various supply options to bring bioLNG into the market. Importing bioLNG can become a relevant supply opportunity. However, it is important to develop supply points in line with bioLNG demand and Shell is always interested in optimising the entire supply chain.

The government stimulates bioLNG through the Vamil scheme and through the bioLNG incentive scheme in 2021. Shell is part of the bioLNG platform which is advocating for zero tax on bioLNG for the future.