Switching to a different fuel in the production process in a given company is associated with complex logistics and also requires significant financial outlays.

The costs of investing in an LNG infrastructure and its servicing are determined by various elements. The first is the scale of the infrastructure itself, including: capacity of LNG tanks, scope of regasification systems, transport infrastructure and possible modernization of existing production processes.

An additional factor influencing costs are the technologies used in the LNG infrastructure. Innovative solutions may involve higher costs, but often bring long-term benefits in terms of efficiency and sustainable fuel use.

Moreover, the location of the company plays a key role in the final investment costs. The availability of infrastructure, LNG supplies, as well as related logistics may affect the overall project budget.

The costs of servicing an LNG infrastructure also depend on various factors, such as the complexity of the technology, the availability of specialized maintenance services, as well as any warranty agreements concluded with the supplier or contractor of the infrastructure.

The size of the enterprise and the subject of the project 

The key factor influencing the investment, and therefore the final cost, is undoubtedly the scale of the project. In short, the larger the enterprise and the greater its energy demand, the larger the LNG infrastructure and, therefore, the higher the costs. The scale of the project is an essential criterion determining the investment costs.

Please remember that the most important cost component is equipment, especially cryogenic, double-jacketed and insulated tanks. Their prices are expressed in hundreds of thousands of zlotys per piece. The larger the capacity of the tanks and the more technologically advanced the devices used, the higher the investment costs.

The scale of the project is also important for operating costs, including servicing of the LNG infrastructure. Large infrastructures require more extensive maintenance systems, as well as specialized staff for operation and maintenance.

Therefore, before commencing a project, a detailed analysis of the scale and scope of the planned infrastructure is crucial. A professional approach to the assessment of energy needs, efficiency and effectiveness of technologies and the selection of devices allows for a realistic assessment of investment costs and optimal adaptation of the project to the individual requirements of the company.

Conditions for running the project

The location of the LNG infrastructure implementation and the related environmental and logistic conditions play a key role in shaping the project costs. The ratio of the costs of earthworks and construction works to the LNG infrastructure itself is variable and depends on the amount of LNG stored. In typical cases, this work accounts for about one fifth of the total cost of an LNG infrastructure.

Additionally, an important aspect affecting costs is the possibility of using used equipment to build the infrastructure. Gaselle and partners have both new and used equipment that meets customer expectations in terms of performance and durability. The lack of significant technical obstacles after renovation and adaptation of the devices to a specific project allows their reuse.

Financing models

There are various flexible forms of financing investments in gas infrastructures available on the market, and one of the most popular options is infrastructure leasing. This solution is applicable both when the infrastructures serve only one plant and when settlements are made in accordance with the tariff. Additionally, leasing the infrastructure may also be an attractive option when the infrastructure is built to power a larger area, for example an entire commune.

The main advantage of choosing the leasing model is that the customer does not bear the costs associated with the construction of the infrastructure itself. Under this form of financing, fees are charged only based on the gas used, which allows enterprises and local communities to avoid the costs associated with the initial investment.

The leasing model works well both in the case of individual plants, where the infrastructure supplies only one facility, and in situations where the infrastructure is intended to service a wider area, such as an entire commune. This flexibility allows companies to adapt the form of financing to their individual needs and the specific nature of their business.

It is worth emphasizing that leasing a gas infrastructure brings benefits not only in terms of saving initial investment costs, but also eliminates the risk associated with maintaining and servicing the infrastructure, which rests with the infrastructure supplier. This solution allows customers to focus on the efficient use of gas without having to engage in complex construction and maintenance processes.

Servicing costs

The costs of servicing an LNG infrastructure depend on the complexity of the infrastructure itself, which usually includes at least one cryogenic tank, a pressure restoration evaporator, at least two product evaporators and a gas station with automation. The increase in the complexity of individual components of the infrastructure translates into an increase in the costs of service packages.

However, servicing costs can be divided into fixed costs associated with routine maintenance activities and variable costs for repairs and renovations. Fixed costs include station inspection, electrical measurements, periodic inspections, device settings and regulations, metrology service, as well as automation and telemetry support.

It is worth noting that the age of the LNG infrastructure affects the variability of service costs. At the beginning of operation, costs are usually low due to the warranties provided for individual devices. However, over time, service costs may increase, especially after the warranty expires, due to natural wear and tear of the devices.

Regardless of care and failure prevention systems, service costs can be expected to increase as the infrastructure ages, but maintaining systematic maintenance can minimize the risk of unforeseen failures.

Service costs are often included in the gas fee, which means that the customer does not incur additional financial outlays for the service, regardless of the nature and extent of the maintenance or repair work that may be required.