CNG Mobility – Scalable, Affordable and Readily Available Solution for Environmental and Climate Challenges

Authors

Dr. L. Möhring, WINGAS GmbH, Kassel; Dr.-Ing. J. Andersen, Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg

Year

2017

Print Info

Fortschritt-Berichte VDI, Series 12, No 802

Summary

The 2016 Paris Agreement on Climate Change is an action mandate for the world’s economies to cut large amounts of CO₂ emission in the near future, including in the mobility sector. Within the scope of the energy transition, Germany’s Climate Action Plan 2050 has committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by around 40 percent relative to 2014 levels. This should be achieved, not least, through the electrification of the transportation sector. However, widespread electrification seems questionable, not only because of vehicle costs but also in respect of the provision of massive amounts of renewable electricity and the necessary infrastructure. Nevertheless, the automotive industry must deliver solutions for near-term CO₂ savings to avoid a growing pressure to act coming from politics and consumers. This applies all the more as discussions on nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and particulate emissions generate an additional need for action. But the industry cannot rely on electric mobility alone. In this respect, CNG (compressed natural gas) vehicles present an excellent option for readily available, active environmental and climate protection. (1) Clear benefits in CO₂, NO_x and particulate emissions; (2) Mature powertrain technology for large numbers of affordable vehicles; (3) A developed fuel station infrastructure; (4) Long-term availability of CNG as a fuel. CNG is a global commodity, similar to oil, with many years of reserves. There are also options for further decarbonising CNG through power-to-gas fuels and biomethane, thus contributing further to climate protection. The necessary success can be achieved quickly in collaboration with politics and the relevant stakeholders.