Natural gas: Clean, affordable, reliable and safe
As a fuel, natural gas is overflowing with possibility . . . and versatility.
It’s an abundant, low-cost, clean-burning source of energy. It’s reliable and efficient, with a well-established delivery infrastructure. And it’s an essential player in a lower-carbon future—replacing coal for electricity generation, providing low-emissions home heating, promoting growth in renewables by addressing intermittency issues.
In this first chapter of our Blue Flame Bounty series, we look at the upside of natural gas as a fuel for large transportation fleets, and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Moving in the right direction
The transportation sector is invaluable to the economy of most states and provinces.
But as the Ontario Natural Gas Alliance points out, it’s also responsible for a significant portion of our society’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Affordable and reliable, natural gas can curtail those greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector—and, at the same time, act as an ally as we combat climate change.
Easy on the wallet, easier on the atmosphere
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) can power all kinds of commercial vehicles—vans, shuttles, transit buses, tractor trailers—whose odometers spin much more quickly than those of private vehicles.
CNG is a cleaner fuel than diesel or gas, and that means less engine wear and a longer vehicle life. According to the Canadian Gas Association, using natural gas as a road transportation fuel can reduce GHG pollution by up to 25%. Fueling up with natural gas also means minimal NOx, SOx and particulate matter emissions.
CNG vehicles have a growing presence in company fleets, whether it’s airports, delivery services, long-haul trucks, or taxis. Natural gas offers savings of as much as 30 or 40% compared to diesel or gas—and by using natural gas, businesses can save money on their fuel and pass those savings on to customers.
Did you know that heating and cooling use more energy and cost more money than any other system in your home?
A natural gas pipeline primer: The difference between gathering, transmission and distribution lines
In the world's conversation about energy, one point is beyond debate: Energy makes a vital contribution to people's quality of life, to society and to human progress. This is true today, and it will remain true in the future. That's why Energy Matters was created. We believe it's important to equip people with unbiased information so they may form opinions, join the conversation and feel confidence in the work and accomplishments of the energy sector. Energy Matters is an initiative that provides transparent information and perspective on energy. Here, we'll cover a range of topics: the scale of global energy; the ways energy is sourced and produced; current energy technology; forthcoming innovations; the world's future energy needs; and the sustainable sources of energy that will fill them. Because energy matters to everyone, we hope you'll rely on Energy Matters as an ongoing source of balanced information.
