More than 25% of European natural gas stations are supplying biomethane
The Natural &bio Gas Vehicle Association (NGVA Europe) released extensive numbers about the current utilization of biomethane in the road transport sector in Europe. These numbers illustrate that renewable gas is already broadly available for consumers all across Europe. Today, sustainable production pathways based on circular economy are largely available, and renewable gas is distributed thanks to a constantly growing refueling infrastructure.
In detail, out of todays 4,120 CNG and LNG fueling stations, more than 25% are delivering biomethane to European consumers. This equals a 17% average of all gas used as transport fuel (2,4 bcm/23,4 TWh). This translates in an impressive effect on the CO2 emissions footprint: compared with gasoline, the available 17% biomethane share boosts the CO2 emissions reduction from 20% (obtained with natural gas), up to almost 40%.
Current natural gas infrastructure and vehicles are fully compatible with renewable natural gas and therefore are potent enabler of a carbon-free transportation. Even in the heavy-duty long-haul sector, bio-LNG is a growing reality, thus supporting in a very cost-effective way the transition towards carbon neutral mobility.
“It is key to understand and acknowledge that a vehicle that is fueled with renewable gas, is effectively climate neutral. Europe’s renewable gas production capacity is proven and sustainability criteria in place are fully respected. Today, it is the best solution to boost the decarbonization process of the transport sector leveraging on a real circular economy,” said NGVA Europe Secretary General Andrea Gerini. “And while continuously increasing the rate of renewable gas in our network, there is future potential also in improving the efficiency of natural gas engines. This will progress hand in hand.”
“We invite Policy Makers to consider these important facts when reframing our mobility system according to the Green Deal objective. Long-term targets need a robust pathway made with the right set of solutions – such as gas in transport,” added Gerini. “The incoming revision of the CO2 emissions regulation will be key to create a positive ground to better support the development of cost-effective solutions like renewable gas. They are perfectly suited to immediately start off the decarbonization of the mobility sector.”
