Linde Partners with CONSOL Energy to Test Its Hybrid Diesel-LNG Solution Providing Cleaner, Less Expensive Power for Drilling Rigs

MURRAY HILL & NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Linde North America today announced that its solution for using liquefied natural gas (LNG) to fuel power-generating diesel engines (gensets) is getting good grades during testing in southwest Pennsylvania.

“We're looking forward to verifying the expected cost savings and emissions reductions, and then taking advantage of these benefits throughout our rig fleet”

Linde North America is a member of The Linde Group, a world –leading gases and engineering company.

The test is being conducted by CONSOL Energy’s gas division. A publicly owned Pittsburgh-based producer of coal and natural gas, CONSOL Energy has active exploration and production operations in the Marcellus and Utica shales. CONSOL Energy has been testing the solution in three diesel engine-based gensets to produce power used by drilling rigs.

"We're looking forward to verifying the expected cost savings and emissions reductions, and then taking advantage of these benefits throughout our rig fleet," said Steve Winberg, CONSOL Energy’s vice president of Research & Development.

The hybrid LNG-diesel solution, which lowers the cost of producing on-site power at oil and gas sites and burns cleaner than pure diesel, is a collaboration between Linde and American Power Group (APG). Linde provides expertise in the production, supply, logistics and on-site application of LNG. APG provides a patented dual-fuel technology that converts diesel engines to run on an average of 40 to 60 percent natural gas.

“We see a bright future for LNG in dual-fuel and dedicated engine applications,” said Bryan Luftglass, head of strategic market and business development for Linde Energy Solutions’ LNG business. “We’re delighted to be working with innovators such as CONSOL Energy that are demonstrating leadership in adopting this cutting-edge technology.”

For more information on Linde’s LNG services, visit http://www.lindelng.com.

The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 51,000 employees in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2011 financial year, it generated revenue of EUR 13.787 bn (US 18.1 bn). The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The Group is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, visit Linde in North America at http://www.lindeus.com