The client approached us with the idea of building a CNG filling station in his region of operation - Kysuce. Therefore, we started by analyzing the needs in this location in order to find out if there is such a need/demand. The analysis revealed a lack of awareness of more ecological forms of fuel and also a lack of infrastructure for alternative fuels in the given region, which in the case of CNG fuel does not exist, but at the same time a high potential for their use in the case of the possibility of switching to CNG technology.

Considering the current green calls and EU priorities for CO2 reduction and efforts to green transport, we identified that the project intention has the ambition to succeed. We were therefore looking for a suitable call/challenge. Even in view of the then deaf period in terms of calls in Slovakia, the EEA grants, also known as Norwegian grants, came out as the most suitable grant scheme for us from the Brief Feasibility Study. EEA grants represent the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to reducing social and economic differences within the EEA and strengthening mutual relations. The specific program: Development of trade, innovation and small and medium-sized enterprises, provided a call for the area of support: Green innovations in industry, which thematically fit into our project intention.

After conducting a market survey (needs analysis) and finding a suitable location - an industrial complex in Krásno nad Kysucou, we set the main goal of the project - increasing awareness of CNG technology in the given region thanks to the provision of a comprehensive package of services, which will consist of building the relevant CNG infrastructure, providing services for renting (borrowing) CNG test vehicles, as well as consulting offers for the transition to CNG technology. During the processing of the project, the partnership with 2 other subjects, whose focus fit into the logic of the project, was also a great advantage.

The project is currently in the implementation phase. A grant agreement was signed, and work is currently underway to obtain a building permit and prepare an order for CNG technology. As part of the implementation of the project, we also provide public procurement, in this case VO for the procurement of 5 different types of vehicles with CNG motorization, which will be used for demonstration purposes - i.e. trying out this technology and comparing the advantages compared to conventional diesel and gasoline cars. The project also includes conferences to promote awareness of the project and the possibilities of drawing Norwegian grants, within which the first Opening Conference for the project has already been held.