OEMs in Rome included Mercedes, Fiat, Opel and Volkswagen
Creating a Revolution in Transport may have been the theme for this year’s natural gas vehicle conference in Rome, but another recurring theme has emerged from presentations. Persistently, “perception is reality” has been reiterated – the perception that natural gas is short term, inefficient, unsafe, and non-renewable has to change. It isn’t any of those things, and by all accounts it is becoming a viable primary fuel, not an alternative fuel, and will be here for many years to come.
Governments and international regulation agencies need to refresh their perceptions to open the way for formulation and adoption of national and international regulations and standards for natural gas as a fuel. Much progress has been made in each of these areas but the perception persists.
The range of natural gas vehicles and technological improvements continue to expand, with solid performance by natural gas vehicles in all areas of road transportation, yet public perception remains that NGVs do not have as much power as gasoline or diesel powered vehicles.
Natural gas reserves continue to grow and exceed expectations, and the global gas market is emerging and growing, but availability is linked to other hydrocarbon fuels that have peaked already.
Biomethane is a sustainable option. It is becoming increasing recognised in the industry as a renewable fuel source, yet decision-making entities are giving it little credence in favour of more ‘sexy’ alternatives.
Perceptions of natural gas are changing but the drive for change needs to accelerate. Natural gas is here and is ready to be embraced, for heavy duty vehicles, commercial vehicles, sedans and other vehicle types. The Strategic Thinking Plenary Session, chaired by incoming IANGV Chairperson Gabriele Gozzi, provided attendees with strategic considerations based on proven success over many years, tools which will assist the opening of new doors. Presenters were Mike Gallagher and Patric Ouellette from Canadian company Westport Innovations, Giuseppe Miletto from Italy’s Metatron, and Michiel Nijboer of International Energy Agengy (IEA), France.
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