What is CNG fuel? Compressed Natural Gas contains methane, nitrogen, CO2, propane, and ethane. CNG is only 1% of the volume it occupied before.
Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel, cheaper than the other non-renewable energy sources (diesel, petroleum, coal). With natural gas, energy transition gives us perspectives while we are running out of fossil fuels. Natural gas is the most eco-friendly fossil fuel, it is a bridge from hard coal and oil to renewable, clean energy.
Read more about natural gas and the environment.
Natural gas gives more than 25% of the EU’s energy consumption.
CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas
Compressed Natural Gas is only 1% of the volume it occupied before. Producing CNG is a long and complicated process, but in the end, it remains gaseous and contains important substances as methane, nitrogen, CO2, propane, and ethane.
The advantage of CNG is that it has a better heating value than petrol, while a car can take 100 kilometres with 10 litres of petrol, 6-7 litres of CNG is enough to take the same distance.
CNG is also transported through pipelines. To travel safely, producers add an unpleasant odour to make it recognizable in case of leaking.
CNG pressure
In a refuelling system, the pressure of CNG is around 3,600 pounds per square inch (psi). With European metrics, this value is around 8000 kg/m3, or 15-20 m3/h.
Uses of CNG
CNG is mostly used for heating or fuelling. Dehumidified Compressed Natural Gas is an effective way of fuelling (as we mentioned above, only 6-7 litres are enough to drive 100 kilometres, while for the same distance you would need 10 litres of petrol).
CNG fuel price
The price of CNG depends on the global market price of natural gas. The price of natural gas is increasing, yet it remains the cheapest non-renewable energy source. Read more about the price of natural gas.
CNG and LNG
Compressed Natural Gas is an efficient good fuel, but LNG is getting more popular too. Refuelling with LNG demands awareness. Protecting gloves, trousers and glasses have to be worn as LNG is stored at minus 162 degrees Celsius.
A comparison between CNG and LNG:
- CNG is transported through pipelines
- LNG is transported for long distances where no pipelines are built
- LNG can be converted to CNG
- With CNG, it is easier to refuel a truck
- 1 cubic meter of compressed natural gas was 100 cubic meters before processing
- 1 cubic meter of liquefied natural gas was up to 600 cubic meters before processing
- This means LNG takes up less storage space
- They are both a greener alternative to the diesel industry
- They are both flammable
- LNG is more expensive than CNG
Conclusion
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Cleanest fossil fuel
- Reduced taxes can apply in some countries
Cons:
- The number of CNG gas stations is low
- Limited parking opportunities in covered car parks