Natural Gas as a transport fuel brochure (PDF, 379Kb) - Bord Gais ...

compressed natural gastransport fuel for your vehiclesThe growth andpopularity of CompressedNatural Gas stems froma number of benefitsincluding: lower fuelcosts, lower vehicleemissions and usingproven technologyNatural gas is one of the most widely used formsof energy today. Natural gas is also the mostenvironmentally friendly fossil fuel available.Our continued need for energy and the heightenedawareness of our environmental responsibilitieshas undoubtedly elevated the value of natural gasin our lives. In Ireland, natural gas is available inover 152 population centres and is used by over640,000 businesses and homes throughout thecountry. Natural gas is used for heating, cooking,drying, catering, air conditioning and powergeneration.Natural gas can also beused as a transport fuel,known as CompressedNatural Gas (CNG). Use ofCNG is growing worldwidewith an estimated 11 million Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs)currently in operation. Germany is one of Europe’s fastestgrowing NGV markets, with the development of over800 CNG filling stations in the last 5 years. Sweden hasintegrated CNG as an alternative and renewable transportfuel with approximately 58% of the gas used in thetransportation sector consisting of biogas.In many European cities,CNG is replacing traditionalfuels in large, high pollutingvehicles such as buses andrefuse collection trucks. Forexample in Madrid, all therefuse collection and citycleaning trucks (650 units) are fuelled with CNG and 35%of the urban bus fleet will be replaced with CNG by the endof 2010, accounting for 700 CNG buses. Similar approachesare being followed in other cities including The Hague, Paris,Barcelona and Rome. Ireland is now exploring the use ofCNG as an alternative to petrol and diesel.

compressed natural gas – transport fuel for your vehiclesWhy should Ireland promote the use of natural gas as a transport fuel?l Significantly lower fuel costsIn NGV markets the cost of using natural gas in vehicles isapproximately 35% lower than using diesel and up to 60%lower than using petrol.l Lower vehicle emissionsNatural gas is a low-emission fuel that does not containsulphur or heavy metals. The use of NGVs can significantlyreduce exhaust and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Bychoosing cleaner transport fuel, air quality and purity levels canimprove, resulting in health and environmental benefits for all.Actual emissions vary from vehicle to vehicle and aredependent on engine design, vehicle type, geography andeven the driver’s driving method. A number of internationalstudies demonstrate that up to 20% less Carbon Dioxide(CO 2) is produced by replacing traditional transport fuels withCNG. When comparing a CNG bus with a diesel bus, therewas a 12% reduction in CO 2levels.Further air quality improvements and health benefits include:lReductions in Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) of 20% (petrol) andup to 70% (diesel)l Reductions in Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions of 75%(petrol) and 50% (diesel)lllReductions in hydrocarbon emissions of 50% (petrol)to 80% (diesel)Almost 99% less soot and particulate matter than dieselFewer toxic and carcinogenic pollutants.l Noise reductionNGVs are quieter than other vehicle types. Studies show thatthere can be up to 7dB reduction in noise levels when using avehicle running on CNG.l Proven technologyCNG has been used as a transport fuel since the 1800s.NGVs are a proven technology. Recent statistics from NGVAEurope (January 2010) show that there are approximately11 million NGVs worldwide.Vehicle manufacturers offer a variety of both dedicatedCNG and bi-fuel (petrol & CNG) vehicles - including vans,trucks and buses.SafetyStrict safety standards make CNG fuelled vehicles as safe aspetrol or diesel vehicles. In addition, NGV cylinders, whichstore CNG, are also subject to safety standards and rigoroustesting. Natural gas is lighter than air and, in the unlikelyevent of a leak or accidental release, it will disperse rapidlyand not pool as a liquid on the ground. CNG is also nontoxic;therefore it will not pose any threat to land or water.Contact InformationFor further information contact:Patrick CallananBord Gáis NetworksPhone: 021 453 4000Email:pcallanan@bge.ie100%50%