That’s a key finding from a new report by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI), entitled ‘The Natural Gas Pathway Analysis for Heavy Duty Vehicles’.
The report calculates the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by identifying the differences in use of natural gas for HGV transportation. This well-to-motion analysis compares existing diesel fuel infrastructure and technology to natural gas-powered HGVs in the UK market, to establish scenarios for the infrastructure changes needed.
Considering both liquid natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), the report reveals that CNG has the potential to reduce emissions over the well-to-motion cycle by 20-24% in 2035, while an emissions reduction of 13-16% from LNG is possible.
The report also highlights that natural gas has the potential to improve air quality where zero-emissions solutions are not yet viable, such as in long-haul HGVs.
However, a switch to natural gas HGVs would require major infrastructure investment and, says the report, policymakers should look to implement a period of fuel tax stability.
Matthew Joss, principal engineer for the Energy Technologies Institute’s heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) programme, said: “This analysis has shown us that natural gas has a role to play in reducing emissions for heavy-duty vehicles, but ultimately there is a need for a blended mix of fuels and technologies across fleets if we are to meet UK decarbonisation targets by 2050.
“Within this mix we see a combination of natural gas fuel for HDVs, electric power for transport such as buses and urban deliveries, as well as efficiency improvements within internal combustion engines.
“However, due to the high costs needed to modify the infrastructure to support the introduction of natural gas as fuel source, the government should look towards freezing fuel tax duty to ensure industry can make the necessary capital investments in natural gas provision.”
Alex Stewart, director at consultancy Element Energy – one of five partners in the year-long project – said: “We have worked closely with industry and academic experts to calculate the impact on costs and emissions at every stage of the well-to-motion process. The project outputs provide new insights into how the UK can maximise the environmental and economic benefits of using natural gas in heavy-duty vehicles.
“We hope the detailed research and modelled scenarios from the report will help inform policymakers, for example on decisions regarding fuel duty and, if taken forward, support for the necessary infrastructure investment to create a self-sustaining, long-term market.”
Click the link below for a copy of the report.