Natural gas is the cleanest of all the fossil fuels because it is composed primarily of methane—the simplest hydrocarbon.
Natural gas (or its renewable energy counterpart, biomethane, made from organic waste materials) is non-toxic and
non-corrosive; burning it produces mostly carbon dioxide
and water vapor—the same substances emitted
when humans exhale. As a vehicle fuel, natural gas produces significantly lower harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx),
particulate matter (PM), and greenhouse gas (GHG) than oil-based gasoline or diesel. It produces no benzene,
a common constituent of gasoline exhaust.
Many countries have abundant domestic natural gas reserves or access to secure natural gas supplies. Technology is commercially available
to remove contaminants present in landfill gas through processing to produce high-purity natural gas (biomethane)
suitable for vehicles.
Why natural gas vehicles?
Natural gas vehicles are the cleanest, most practical solution for low-emissions transportation today. While other clean transportation
technologies exist, natural gas vehicle technology is proven and mature. High-performance, reliable natural gas vehicles offer a
real and immediate alternative to conventional diesel and gasoline vehicles.
Fast approaching stringent emissions standards for commercial transportation, together with concerns about volatile oil prices and
oil supply security, are presenting economic advantages for natural gas vehicles.
What is driving the growth of natural gas as a transportation fuel?
Around the world, natural gas is being widely adopted as a transportation fuel. To date, it is the only alternative fuel with
measurable market penetration, and its use continues to rise. Some of the main drivers for the rapid growth of natural gas
for transportation are:
- Energy security (domestic supply)
The threat of higher oil prices and dwindling oil supply due to tensions in the Middle East in addition to China's and India's growing consumption
have resulted in an increased focus on domestic natural gas use, for transportation in particular, and a booming LNG trade.
- Emissions regulations
The strictest emissions regulations are those in the US, particularly California. The Euro regulations in Europe follow similar orders
of magnitude, although they are more greenhouse gas focused. Tightening regulations make it more difficult for diesel engines to
comply without the addition of expensive systems.
- Mandates and incentives
Many countries have strong mandates and incentives for natural gas vehicles. International governments are driving purchases of
natural gas vehicles for environmental and energy security reasons. Jurisdictions with strong mandates or incentives include the
United States (particularly California and Texas), China, India, Germany, the United Kingdom, Egypt, the Philippines, Thailand, France,
and Brazil.
- Natural gas infrastructure
Natural gas infrastructure continues to develop around the world at a rapid pace. Significant infrastructure is found in
the major markets such as Argentina, Brazil, Pakistan, India, China and the United States.
- Natural gas price relative to diesel
Natural gas pricing versus diesel is attractive in many parts of the world including most of the larger markets such as the United States,
China, India, Brazil and much of Europe.
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