The European Commission (EC) has repeatedly stated, citing numerous studies, that natural gas can play a major role in the transport sector and, at the same time, an important factor in the transition to zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The problems that accompany climate change and environmental protection are at the heart of the European Parliament (EP) debate for the new legislative period.

It is necessary to begin a policy evolution process in which the industrial, economic, social and cultural dimensions are strongly committed to the objectives of climate neutrality. Finding the right orchestration is one of the biggest and unprecedented challenges facing politicians.

It is time to consider all forms of new energies and future mobility models, writes Andrea Gerini of NGVA Europe. In his view, zero carbon emissions should be pursued, following a realistic strategy.

How to shape the future of our transportation system?

On November 18, during the World Energy Outlook 2019 event, Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), stated that “we do not have the luxury to choose winners and all technologies will have to play a role in the transition to climate neutrality”.

According to Andrea Gerini, the solutions should cover personal mobility in urban areas and freight transport on long haul routes.

In order to be widespread in the market, they must be affordable and competitive. In other words, taking advantage of the already existing infrastructure, they must provide competitiveness and environmental benefits by meeting the most stringent pollution and carbon reduction requirements.

Natural gas technologies as a vehicle for carbon-free mobility

Gas vehicle technology combines precisely these features with a wide variety of solutions: providing carbon-neutral mobility from highly efficient CNG compressed passenger vehicles with optimized storage capacity, as well as an expanded portfolio of heavy-duty vehicles.

City buses are also available with liquefied natural gas (LNG), while the trucks provide the same performance as their diesel equivalents.