So what can we do? We can do the same thing that works for the rest of the world, and make serious efforts to convert to Compressed Natural Gas.
By the end of 2009, Pakistan had was in the lead, with over 2.3 MILLION Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) on the road, with over 3,000 filling stations supporting them. Argentina had over 1.8 million in use, and more than 1,850 station supporting. Iran, which happens to have a LOT of oil was a close third, at 1.6 million NGVs and over 1,000 places to fill up. Yes, really. Rounding out the top ten on the list is Brazil, India, Italy, China, Columbia, Ukraine, and Bangladesh. The United States ranked just below Egypt, and just above Armenia with 110,00 NGVs and an impressive ratio of 1,300 CNG capable stations.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has been called the "Pathway to the Hydrogen Highway" and it's merits are many:
According to the Department of Energy, natural gas (CNG) vehicles produce between 93-95% less overall toxics when compared with gasoline and diesel vehicles.
According to CleanEnergyFuels.com,
"Natural gas is the most efficient feedstock for the production of hydrogen as America focuses on the eventual use of hydrogen in transportation.
Expanding the natural gas fueling infrastructure today will have long-term value since natural gas stations can be easily converted to hydrogen delivery due to their common properties."
A couple of CNG facts in relation to gas and diesel:
- if a vehicle can burn either, it can be converted to use CNG.
- it's safer if it "spills" since it's gaseous and will dissipate quickly.
- lacking benzene or lead, spark plugs in CNG cars will not foul, a common cause of poor efficiency and stress on engines.
- CNG systems are sealed, and don't lose fuel to evaporation.
- CNG doesn't dilute or contaminate crankcase oils, furthering the reliability of NGVs.
- CNG typically costs about half as much as gas or diesel.
General CNG facts:
- it can be mixed with Bio-gas, which can come from Landfills, and even wastewater.
- CNG produces nearly 40% less CO2 per comparable unit of energy derived from other fuels.
- A CNG vehicle uses the same gas that your stove uses.
- Italy started using CNG in its vehicles in the 1930's.
- It's relatively easy to find a station in Canada. (you've threatened to move there several times!)
- There are some pretty hefty tax credits for buying an NGV.