Natural gas could help solve fuel crisis

There is a lack of awareness of compressed natural gas (CNG) while LPG and biofuels receive more attention yet are either not viable or greenhouse effective, according to compressed air and gas system manufacturer CompAir.

The company says access to the CNG and the technology is more than 75 years old, but it seems most Australians ignore it and are consigned to pay higher and higher prices to fuel their carbon-emitting cars and trucks.

CNG-powered vehicles are cheaper to run, as well as being cleaner and greener than conventional petrol- and diesel-powered cars and trucks. There are already more than 2000 buses in Australia running dedicated CNG fleets. This includes the majority of state-run bus fleets.

CompAir’s managing director Gary Woodhead says compressed natural gas could reduce motorists’ fuel costs by between 30 and 60%.

“The average pump price of a litre of CNG is in a band of 70 cents to $1, depending on the volume,” Woodhead said.

“CNG has a similar energy value to petrol with both about 10% less efficient than diesel but vastly more efficient than LPG.

“There is a misconception that LPG is a cheap fuel but because of its low energy value, you need to consume more LPG to get the same distance as diesel. CNG is much more efficient.

“The reduction in harmful emissions is even more significant with carbon dioxide cut by up to 24%, carbon monoxide 76%, hydrocarbon 80%, benzene 99% and lead and sulphur emissions virtually eliminated.”

Woodhead said Australia had substantial reserves of natural gas.

“While we are a major exporter, we are actually shipping away a resource that could dramatically cut fuel costs in this country and enable us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint," Woodhead said.

“Through using our substantial indigenous natural gas resources to fuel our transport sector, Australia would not be a victim of international oil price hikes and we would be doing our bit to cut greenhouse gas emissions.”

Woodhead said refuelling was no longer an issue with the development of a home refueller where motorists could fill up their vehicles from the domestic gas supply network.

“The federal government’s Green Car Innovation Fund could also be used to support CNG conversions and the rollout of a national CNG refuelling network.”

Woodhead said CNG was used successfully to fuel vehicles in a number of countries including India, Brazil and Italy. Worldwide there are more than four million vehicles operating on CNG filling at more than 7500 filling stations.

The company has worked closely with CNG vehicle manufacturers over the past 25 years and encouraged good quality vehicle conversions to run on CNG or manufacturers to produce CNG vehicles. Importantly, almost all types of conventionally powered vehicles are now able to run on CNG.

“CNG is safer than traditional liquid fuels, is non-toxic and non-corrosive and will not contaminate groundwater, and the refuelling process at the dispensing pump is also very safe as the whole system is sealed, which prevents any leakage or spillage of product,” Woodhead said.

Woodhead said while cutting fuel costs was important, the environmental benefits of CNG could not be ignored and while diesel and petrol would remain dominant fuel, CNG could play a niche role in meeting Australia’s transport energy needs.