By replacing diesel with liquefied natural gas or biogas, CO2 emissions from heavy trucks can be drastically reduced according to Volvo Trucks, which is now intensifying its development of gas-powered trucks for heavy regional and long-haul operations.

Reducing climate-impacting emissions from heavy commercial traffic is a challenge that engages politicians and transport purchasers, haulage companies and vehicle manufacturers. In May the EU presented a regulation demanding declaration of CO2 figures from heavy vehicles from 2019, with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions.

"Many of our customers and their customers already work hard to reduce their environmental footprint,” said Lars Mårtensson, Director Environment and Innovation at Volvo Trucks. “This regulation will drive the development of lower emissions, where we see a clear possibility for increasing LNG market shares as a vital part of the solution. Our vision is that trucks from Volvo will eventually have zero emissions, although the way of achieving that is not by one single solution but rather through several solutions in parallel."

Although natural gas is a fossil fuel, it can produce 20% lower CO2 emissions than diesel. If biogas is used instead, the climate impact can be cut by up to 100%.

By using methane in liquid form (LNG - Liquefied Natural Gas) it is possible to carry larger quantities of fuel and thus ensure the necessary operating range for long-haul assignments. Both natural gas and biogas consist largely of methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. This makes it particularly important to minimise the risk of gas leakage during transport, refuelling and operation of the vehicle.

While biogas is thus far only produced in limited quantities, the long-term availability of natural gas is excellent in a global perspective. This is an important condition for large-scale expansion, as is a competitive price. In many European countries, natural gas costs less than diesel. A strategy for expanding LNG infrastructure is also included in the European Commission's and Member States' action packages for securing Europe's long-term energy supply.

"All told, this makes liquefied gas the best widely available climate alternative on the market for long distance and heavy transport. What is needed now is gas-powered trucks that can compete with diesel in terms of performance and fuel consumption, and continued expansion of LNG infrastructure. In both cases major progress has been achieved."

Photo: The use of biogas drastically reduces vehicle CO2 emissions.