NGVA Europe, the Natural & bio Gas Vehicle Association, has welcomed the recently published Grosch report, prepared by the Belgian MEP and TRAN Committee member in the European Parliament, Mathieu Grosch, which itself “welcomes the 2011 White Paper, but notes that major goals of the 2001 White Paper were reached either only in part or not at all.”
According to Grosch’s own press release, transport causes no less than 25% of all CO2-emissions. Reducing emission is therefore one of the main challenges of future transport policy. “The CO2-emissions of all modes of transport must be reduced through, for example, cleaner technologies. We’ve set ambitious, individual goals for all modes of transport,” said Grosch. By 2020, emissions by road traffic must be reduced by 20%.
The Association says natural gas and biomethane, as an immediately available alternative to oil in transport, can help to meet the 2020 targeted reduction in CO2 emissions of 20% right now.
At the same time, NGVA Europe recommends putting a stronger emphasis on the crucial issue of improving local air quality in cities. Natural gas and biomethane can be used in existing internal combustion engines with no limitation to blending thanks to the same molecular composition. Methane has very low NOx and PM emissions, improves urban air quality and also significantly reduces noise and CO2.
Biomethane is also one of the main pillars for achieving the mandatory 2020 target of 10% biofuels in transport.
The Grosch report is available here.
(This article primarily compiled using information from an NGVA Europe press release)
