CNG Stations in Germany

The first CNG filling station in Germany opened in 1996 in Berlin. Since then, the government and the private sector have worked closely together to expand the network of stations. In 2010, Germany reached 900 CNG filling stations, establishing itself as one of the countries with the largest CNG network in Europe. However, in recent years, some stations have closed due to competition with electric vehicles and advances in synthetic fuels.

By 2024, Germany has approximately 850 operational CNG stations, spread across major cities and transport corridors. Although the total number has decreased slightly, it remains one of the most extensive networks in Europe, especially in urban areas and near motorways.

Here is an updated list of major CNG stations in key cities in Germany:

• Berlin: Berlin-Reinickendorf Station, Berlin-Spandau Station
• Hamburg: Hamburg-Altona Station, Hamburg-Bergedorf Station
• Munich: München-Ostbahnhof Station, München-Pasing Station
• Frankfurt: Frankfurt-Höchst Station, Frankfurt-Sachsenhausen Station
• Cologne: Köln-Ehrenfeld Station, Köln-Porz Station
• Stuttgart: Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt Station, Stuttgart-Mitte Station

Despite a slight decline in the total number of CNG stations in Germany in recent years, the trend is expected to stabilise and a slight expansion to take place in the coming years. Several companies, such as Aral, Shell and Gazprom, are investing in more efficient technologies for CNG distribution and in modernising their existing stations.

By 2025, at least 15 new CNG stations are planned to open in key areas, including large cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, as well as in less-covered regions such as eastern Germany and rural areas in the south.

In addition, the German government has renewed its commitments to energy sustainability, and new incentives for the expansion of CNG use are likely to be implemented as part of its strategy to reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector.

In Germany, several operators have played a key role in expanding and maintaining the CNG station network. The largest operators are listed below along with their locations and future plans:

• Aral: One of the largest networks of CNG stations in Germany, Aral operates more than 100 CNG stations, concentrated in metropolitan areas such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. The company has plans to expand its network with the opening of 5 new stations by 2025, mainly in the Ruhr region.
• Shell: Shell operates more than 80 CNG stations in Germany, with a significant presence in the south of the country, especially in Bavaria. By 2025, Shell plans to open new stations around Stuttgart and Nuremberg.
• Gazprom Germania: This operator has a strong network of 60 CNG stations, mainly in eastern Germany. Gazprom has announced that it will invest in modernizing its stations and will open 3 new locations by 2025.

The CNG station network in Germany remains one of the largest in Europe, with strong coverage in urban areas and key transport routes. Despite competition from other technologies, CNG remains an important option in the transition to more sustainable mobility. With new stations planned by 2025 and continued government support, the future of CNG in Germany looks promising.

• https://www.aral.de/
• https://www.shell.de/
• https://www.gazprom-germania.de/
• https://www.gibgas.de/
• https://www.ngvglobal.org/