Compressed Natural Gas - An Alternative to Gasoline?

Levi Quinn

One of the major drawbacks of standard gasoline and other forms of fossil fuel is its emission of greenhouse gases. These gases are believed to have an effect on our climate, and are indisputably a major source of air pollution - something which is at the base of arguments against the continued use of fossil fuels for many purposes including the powering of internal combustion engines to run automobiles. However, the absence of agreement on the best alternative to fossil fuels has contributed to the continued use of fossil fuels, predominantly gasoline, in our everyday transport at the present time. Is it necessary to find one coherent alternative above all others, though? Or are the many possible alternatives an excellent range of choices for the consumer?

One alternative to gasoline that has found itself in use in a wide range of locations is compressed natural gas or CNG. As the name suggests, this fuel is created by compressing traditional natural gas and storing it in canisters. It is usable in many capacities, not least the internal combustion engine that operates in most motor cars - and as a result of the continuing rise in gasoline prices, is becoming more and more popular in Europe and South America. The latter continent is currently leading the way, with 48% of the global Natural Gas Vehicle (or NGV) market share. There is however an increasing number of NGVs operating in Asia as well as a vast number in mainland Europe, particularly in Italy. The European standard NGVs are cars that run on either gasoline or a separate CNG canister, between which the driver can choose by flipping a switch.

It is in South America, though, that the CNG car is proving to be a major alternative to the gasoline-driven models. This has been achieved by retrofitting gasoline models with the equipment required to run CNG instead of gasoline. This practice is most visible in Brazil and Argentina, which between them run 3 million of the world's fleet of more than 7 million NGVs. Taxi cabs in the major cities of these two countries make up a large share of this total, taking advantage of initiatives at government level to make the conversion to CNG easier and cheaper. Bolivia, Colombia and Peru are all aiming to increase their share, with Peru uniquely well positioned - literally - as it is situated on South America's largest reserve of natural gas.

It remains to be seen whether other nations in the developed world will take the opportunity to avail of the benefits of compressed natural gas. There are initiatives afoot in the United States, with tax credits available to those who buy a new CNG car. The price of natural gas makes this an attractive proposition, with those who can run it in their car able to pay up to 60% less than they would to run gasoline. Due to suspicion on the part of voters, however, a proposition to give rebates to Californians who purchased CNG cars was voted down in 2008.