Natural gas and biogas vehicle and fuelling technologies are available now. They provide the bridge in the inevitable transition of
transportation away from petroleum towards hydrogen.
Using compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), biomethane, or hydrogen-enriched compressed
natural gas (HCNG) in commercial vehicle fleets—including transit buses, refuse collection trucks, shuttle buses and city work
vehicles—provides a vital first step in the transition away from petroleum.
Natural gas vehicles today can be upgraded to operate on HCNG or pure hydrogen. The existing network of natural gas
refuelling infrastructure can also be adapted to dispense HCNG or pure hydrogen in the future.
Why? Like hydrogen, natural gas and biomethane are gaseous fuels at normal temperatures requiring storage, transport, and delivery
technologies that are very different from liquid fuels. Natural gas and hydrogen employ similar:
- Fuel storage
- Fuelling
- Station siting & location
- Codes and standards
- Training
- Facilities
- Public acceptability
As cities their future fuel infrastructure, natural gas and HCNG vehicles offer a bridge by providing the critical mass of
gaseous-fuelled vehicles necessary for developing hydrogen fuelling infrastructure.
We leverage Westport's extensive natural gas and biomethane experience and expertise in our work with hydrogen. Our hydrogen direct
injection (H2DI) research programs have advanced the state of direct injection for hydrogen engines.
Over time, as the world's hydrogen infrastructure develops, hydrogen internal combustion engines will be a major part of the
hydrogen economy. With our experience with hydrogen and natural gas, Westport will be well-positioned to compete.
|
|
