In a world where concern about climate change is increasingly pressing, more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy alternatives are needed. In this sense, natural gas is presented as a key transition technology to achieve decarbonization.
Alejandro Castrillón, Regional Manager of Cummins, virtually attended the Latam Mobility Colombia 2023, held from June 6 to 7 at the Orquideorama of the Botanical Garden in Medellin, explaining the advantages of natural gas in truck and bus applications, in addition to highlighting its role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, its economic viability and its contribution to energy stability.
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Reducing Emissions
Natural gas is emerging as a transition technology on the road to decarbonization due to its lower environmental impact compared to other fossil fuels. In a world scenario that seeks to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, it shows a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
This is due to the fact that, compared to coal and oil, its combustion generates lower greenhouse gas emissions, standing out for being an energetically more economical fuel than other sources, such as diesel or electrification.
In Colombia, specifically, natural gas has a lower cost in terms of kilowatt-hour equivalent. Although some subsidies still affect the price of diesel, the government is expected to gradually dismantle them, Castrillón says, which would further level the competitiveness of natural gas in the transportation sector.
Architecture Simplicity
In terms of engine architecture, natural gas offers a significant advantage in that it has a simpler structure compared to diesel engines, with lower maintenance costs and greater durability.
In addition, they produce lower emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter compared to diesel engines, contributing to improved air quality in urban areas.
“In Colombia, Cummins has accumulated more than 10 years of experience in the use of natural gas engines in fleets of trucks and buses in major cities. The company has a wide range of natural gas engines, patented under proprietary technology, which virtually eliminates CO2 emissions,” said Castrillón.
These engines are characterized by their high efficiency and compatibility with the diesel engine platform, which facilitates their adoption in the market.
“Natural gas is positioned as a promising option in the transportation sector, providing significant advantages in terms of emissions reduction, economic viability and price stability,” concluded the Cummins representative.
