Governments across the world have recognised that reducing carbon emissions is essential to curtail global warming. Globally, Logistic contributes to 14%-15% of carbon emissions and in that the contribution of heavy-duty trucking is about 90%. Hence, there has been the need for alternative means of green energy that will guard the future of the planet by reducing dependence on fossil fuels in transportation sector. Thus, sustainable mobility has been a buzz word for some time now. While there has been a lot of research on the best technology that can help the industry turn a greener leaf, there emerged one answer, which is Liquefied Natural Gas or LNG.
Why LNG?
One of the main causes of hazardous emissions is heavy industrialization, which includes the logistics and transportation sector, ergo, heavy duty trucking. The trucking industry is one of the most significant polluters, producing up to 450 million TPA of CO2, as well as significant noise, particulate matter, and pollutants each year, clogging cities and endangering public health. Therefore, the whole idea of LNG trucks is poised to upend the sector and hasten the shift to “green transportation.” To put the figures in perspective, compared to diesel trucks, it emits up to 28% less carbon dioxide (CO2) and up to 30% less noise. It can also raise an organization’s scores on the environmental social governance meter.
When appropriately utilised with the trained drivers, LNG truck has the potential to reduce particulate material (PPM) by up to 91%. It not only creates sizeable reduction in the quantities of sulphur and nitrogen oxides, and other substances that are detrimental to the earth’s atmosphere but also does not release soot, dust, or other particles. LNG has a lower carbon content than other types of fossil fuels. It is clear, odourless, and colourless.
To combat the rapidly rising climate change, LNG is an immediate, versatile, mature, and scalable solution to make the long-haul trucking industry sustainable. It’s a cleaner fuel and greener fuel, which reduces sulphur oxide (SOX) up to 100% and nitrogen oxide (NOX) up to 59%.
International success of LNG Trucks
LNG Trucks has seen a great deal of success in the Chinese and European markets. The EU’s alternative fuel plan is prioritised by using an established technology for each necessity. While there are other practical and established options for short-distance transportation in metropolitan areas, LNG is the only practical, mature, viable and established option for long-distance travel.
According to data from the European Alternative Fuels Observatory, it is estimated that the LNG-compatible fleet would increase at least by 3% annually. The International Energy Agency predicts that China would lead the world in the adoption of zero- and low-emission trucks, including LNG vehicles. According to sources, new regulations are also anticipated to aid in the replacement of up to 1 million heavy-duty trucks there.
Policy push
India is upbeat when it comes to LNG’s potential to lessen the consequences of climate change as it adheres to the Paris Agreement. India wants to transition to a gas-based economy by 2030, increasing gas’s current share of the energy mix from 6% to 15%. LNG is a vital cog to fulfil the plan.
Additionally, there are existing LNG terminal infrastructure in place to handle import demands. India intends to establish 1,000 LNG retail outlets over the next five years, which would cost US$1.3 billion. It demonstrates how the country is placing more of an emphasis on alternative fuels, which is promoting the development of LNG models.
The question of the gas economy
Heavy trucking is unquestionably a crucial pillar of growth, linking many infrastructure sectors together. As climate change is a significant concern, adopting LNG will significantly lessen the sector’s negative consequences.
The government needs to take a number of initiatives as competitive pricing to increase LNG consumption as a transportation fuel and in the mining industry in order to develop a gas-based economy.
Currently, India is pushing to include more of this energy source in its energy mix, which will cause a change in the gas markets. GOI should also consider taking steps to curtail sharp movement in prices that have been witnessed due to geopolitical developments. This coupled with fast tracking of LNG infrastructure, stable LNG prices and incentives & subsidies for quick adoption of technology will also increase economic competitiveness. All in one, India is well-placed to pioneer the green-trucking revolution.
