Optimization of the distribution of compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling stations: Swiss case studies

To become a mass-market product, compressed natural gas (CNG) cars will need a dense network of filling stations. The Swiss natural gas industry plans to invest in 350 additional CNG stations to supplement the existing 50 sites. Cost-benefit analysis is used to define the optimal locations for these among the existing 3470 petrol filling stations. It is found using two simulations looking at equitable location of sites and socially optimal ones, that the investment in additional CNG infrastructure is unlikely to be socially advantageous. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.