Gas-powered heavy good vehicles (HGVs), powered initially by biomethane and then hydrogen, are key to decarbonising commercial transport, according to an international report launched yesterday.
The report, entitled ‘Future role of gas in transport’, looked at decarbonisation options for transport including the production, distribution and use of electricity, biomethane, bio-substitute natural gas (bio-SNG) and hydrogen to understand the role of each fuel and the timeline for scaling up of their use.
Gas Networks Ireland, which operates and maintains Ireland’s €2.7bn 14,500km national network as well as key network infrastructure in Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK, supported the study.
In Ireland transport remains one of the most difficult areas to decarbonise. Heavy commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses that are currently relying on diesel power, are responsible for approximately 30% of transport emissions despite representing only 4% of the transport fleet.
The report lays out a road map for the decarbonisation of HGV transport in the UK, beginning with an immediate roll out of biomethane that would see all compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) stations supplying renewable gas within a decade. Natural gas and biomethane are considered key vectors in the journey to net-zero.
Hydrogen becomes more common in the 2030s – possibly by way of blends with natural or renewable gas – with some CNG stations starting to transition to hydrogen in the mid to late 2030s. Zero-emission HGVs running on hydrogen would be the norm by 2050.
In terms of transport, Ireland and the UK are similar markets, facing many of the same challenges, including both being among a small number of right-hand drive markets, which impacts on supply of vehicles and speed of roll out.
Gas Networks Ireland’s CNG Program Delivery Manager, Declan O’Sullivan, said:
“Gas Networks Ireland will have a role in facilitating the roll out of new technologies which will decarbonise transport, such as biomethane and hydrogen. In order to carry out this role, we are looking to partner with experts in other countries, to take advantage of their experience and insights. Ireland can benefit from this international expertise and experience to ensure a more cost-effective transition.
“The opportunity to partner on this research is particularly important given the interconnectedness of the Ireland and the UK energy markets and gas networks, and the strong trade links which see significant levels of haulier travel between the two countries.
“The level of ambition in the UK is excellent. They are committing early to driving a net-zero carbon haulage industry which not only reduces emissions but also reduces running costs and creates secure skilled jobs and investment.
“While not as far along our journey, Ireland too is on route to net-zero transport and Gas Networks Ireland and the Department of Transport both have grants available to help hauliers begin to transition to cleaner fuels such as natural gas. Almost €5million is available between the two schemes.”
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