Natural gas for cleaner mobility

Abstract

Natural Gas (NG) is an abundant and affordable energy carrier that is widely used in the power and heat sector. NG also offers attractive opportunities as a transportation fuel due to its lower carbon to hydrogen ratio and its ability to burn with relatively low local emissions in combustion engines.

The paper gives an overview on NG resources and availability, as well as the options to utilize NG in transport. Natural Gas can power mobility in different ways: as compressed Natural Gas (CNG), as liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), as gas-to-liquids (GTL) but natural gas can be used as well to produce hydrogen or electricity as fuel for fuelcell electric or battery-electric vehicles. The paper explores the various possible fuel pathways. The paper covers the following mobility sectors: light duty (passenger cars) and heavy duty (on-road goods transport).

The pros and cons of these pathways will be described in more detail covering the criteria Well-to-Wheel (WtW) efficiency, WtW greenhouse gas emissions and CO₂ abatement cost.