Compressed or liquid natural gas (CNG, LNG) along with energy carriers produced from natural gas like electricity, hydrogen and Gas to Liquid (GTL) can limit emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants in the transport sector. This is particularly the case if electricity, hydrogen or CNG are used to power cars and buses, with LNG being used for trucks and ships. To reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions of shipping, however, methane emissions also need to be limited. To ensure the safety of LNG, effective control of the distribution infrastructure is also required, moreover.
This is evident from the report ‘Natural gas in transport’, written by CE Delft, ECN and TNO for the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment. The study compares various types of natural gas with diesel and petrol as primary energy sources in the transport sector. The analysis covers the environment, costs and safety. Taking 2025 as a horizon, the entire fuel chain is considered, from production at source to combustion in the engine.