I plan on discussing Clean versus Renewable Energy in a series the next several days. Clean Fuel is traditional fuel, usually fossil based that will play a role in bridging the world economy to a Carbon Zero Renewable Energy future of Wind, Solar, Biomass, Hydrogen, Hydro and Tidal Energy. But let us first wrap up our discussion of transport, specifically long haul Inter-State and International freight.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is a perfect low Carbon, short lived Carbon Dioxide Equivalent fuel that is perfect for heavy duty engines involved in long haul fright transport across long distances.  Liquefied Natural Gas is Compressed Natural Gas in a frozen state allowing much greater fuel storage aboard heavy duty freight vehicles allowing comparable refueling with diesel.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is transformed to Compressed Natural Gas before it is combusted by the heavy-duty engine. Liquefied Natural Gas’ main emission is Methane (CH4) and to a lesser extent Carbon Monoxide  (CO), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and a small amount of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). Particulate Matter (PM) is virtually zero.

Natural Gas is projected to remain $1.00 cheaper than diesel for decades to come thanks to the enormous world supply especially in North America of Natural Gas.

Liquefied Natural Gas is safe, efficient, inexpensive, and environmentally and Greenhouse Gas friendly compared to diesel, the primary fuel of Inter-State freight. Liquefied Natural Gas is perfect for long haul Class 1 Rail, Inter-State Semi-Tractor Trailer Trucking and Shipping. All three of these major freight carriers have something airplanes and light duty cars and trucks do not have, plenty of power and storage space for the Liquefied Natural Gas tanks.

Liquefied Natural Gas tanks come in double and triple shell bodies that are extremely safe from external puncture in an accident or incident. Rail would be easy to fuel as locomotives run fixed routes across the nation, as does most shipping in National and International waters with very few ports in the world that could easily fuel Liquefied Natural Gas Shipping.  Interstate Trucking could focus first on the major East-West and North South Interstate Highway System, eventually filling in the feeder highways.

The economics of Natural Gas compared to diesel and the closest Renewable counterparts of Biomass. Hydrogen and Electric are clear. Liquefied and Compressed Natural Gas vehicles are market ready with no incremental purchase price. The fuel price savings of Natural Gas more than offset the new costs for building out the fueling infrastructure.  Liquefied Natural Gas as a bridge in a low Carbon future now to an eventual long term replacement fuel is clear. 

Once the market shakes out the technical bugs and economic externalities of Renewable Transportation Fuel Liquefied Natural Gas may be even cleaner through some recent technology breakthroughs. But until the day an affordable market ready Renewable Transportation Fuel has been tested in the market, Liquefied and Compressed Natural Gas are clear low Carbon Transportation Fuel winners.