Abstract
Society's growing interest in alternative fuels is paving the way for emerging and existing technologies. Compressed natural gas is not a new technology, but it is rapidly growing more popular. The recent drive for green products combined with high oil prices and worries about oil dependence makes NG an ideal solution. Natural gas has been in use in vehicles for decades, but it hasn't been used as much in the private sector until recently.
Environmental Benefits of NG
One of the greatest benefits of natural gas over other fuels is its lower emissions. To date, natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are the only vehicles to meet two of California's emissions standards. The California Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standard-a strict limit developed to help deal with chronic ozone non-attainment problems in many regions of that state. No other fuel has achieved this level of certified emission performance. In addition, NGVs are the only vehicles certified to EPA's Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) standard- applied to vehicles which demonstrate tight control on evaporative hydrocarbon emissions. Compared to Gasoline and Diesel, natural gas vehicles offer the following.
Gasoline
• Ozone-Reduced tailpipe emission of ozone precursors (NOx and NMHC)
On a g/mile basis, average reductions in NOx of 66 percent and 85 percent for NMHC emissions.
• Carbon monoxide-In normal driving conditions, at least 50 percent reduction in
CO emissions and potential for 80-95 percent reductions under conditions like cold temperatures and acceleration.
• Sulfur Dioxide-Reductions of 90 percent or greater in SO2 emissions.
• Other gasses associated with global warming-At least 20 percent reduction in tailpipe emissions of
global warming gases.
• Air Toxins-Reductions in air toxic emissions of over 85 percent. Elimination of 1,3
butadiene emissions.
Diesel
• Ozone- Reductions in tailpipe emission of the ozone precursor NOx by 50 percent or
more.
• Particulate Matter- Reductions in emission of PM on the order of 50-75 percent.
• Sulfur Dioxide-Reductions of 90 percent or
greater in SO2 emissions.
The environmental benefits alone are enough to make natural gas a sought after fuel. With tailpipe emissions of greater than 20% over gasoline natural gas is a significant improvement.
Availability and Infrastructure
Another strength of NG is domestic availability and already established infrastructure. The Energy Information Administration estimates there is over 1,100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas currently domestically available. Currently there is a lot of concern over the US importing too much of its oil, leading to foreign dependence. By using more natural gas it could cut down importing of oil. Currently it is estimated that around 2,500 million cubic feet of natural gas is used for vehicle fuel per month. There has been a steady rise in natural gas use in vehicles over the past few years. As of 2005 there was 213,000 miles of natural gas pipeline in use in the US. The US natural gas infrastructure already spans most of the country. Many homes have access to natural gas for heating use. With widespread availability it is already possible for natural gas fueling stations to become more abundant both at gas stations and in private homes.
Financial Incentives
Both the US federal government and some state governments are using tax cuts and financial incentives to make natural gas vehicles more appealing. The Alternative Fuel Excise Tax Credit from the IRS provides a refund of $0.50 per gasoline gallon equivalent (gge) of natural gas. The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit provides both gas stations and residential houses a tax incentive of up to 30% of the total cost of installing a refueling system. Many states have their own incentives for alternative fuel use. New York has a few incentives, but none that apply directly to the average consumer. On the other hand, Utah has incentives like covering 50% of the cost to convert a vehicle to an aftermarket alternative fuel system.
Closing
With the government putting large amounts of money into national infrastructure and tax incentives, the time has never been better to invest in alternative fuels. Everyday more gas stations are offering compressed natural gas, or companies are expanding their pipelines to reach more residential areas.
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