SUSTAINABLE APPLICATION OF NATURAL GAS AS ENGINE FUEL IN CITY BUSES – BENEFIT AND RESTRICTIONS

Abstract

Human activities, in particular transport, are partially responsible for the problem associated with the greenhouse effect, and therefore global warming. The transport sector is responsible for approximately 25% of carbon dioxide emissions and consumes almost 50% of global oil production. Natural gas as engine fuel has many advantages: lower costs, lower emissions because of more complete combustion, lower noise and longer engine life. The goal of the European Union is that alternative sources of energy represent 20% of total consumption by 2020. According to the global strategy these problems are solving through a series of initiatives and innovations including the introduction of natural gas buses in city transport. If we take into account the existing situation in city transport, the strategic proposal is to begin by retrofitting diesel buses into dedicated natural gas vehicles. This paper analysed some benefits, which summarized according to the author’s experiences about the introduction of the compressed natural gas buses in urban transport.