CNG

CNG, Compressed Natural gas is a compressed form of Natural Gas. It is mainly composed of methane and is compressed to reduce its volume for transport and storage. It is stored at high pressure which is generally 200-250 times the atmospheric pressure. It is used as a fuel for automobiles. It is considered as a cleaner alternative to conventional fuels like petrol and diesel as it releases lower levels of pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. It reduces air pollution and helps in mitigating climate change and hence is used worldwide as a cleaner fuel.

The commercial extraction of Natural gas started in the 19th century with the discovery of drilling and extraction technologies. It was initially used for lighting and heating purposes. As the progress in technology took place, compression of natural gas became possible which made it easier to store and transport. As it emits lesser pollutants on burning, its use as a transportation fuel gained momentum. Governments around the world started promoting it as an alternative to conventional fuels like gasoline and diesel. Government efforts in the form of policies, subsidies have facilitated the widespread use of CNG-powered vehicles. It became particularly popular in urban areas with high levels of air pollution and traffic congestion. In recent times, the production of BioCNG has also been promoted which is more eco-friendly than the Conventional CNG as it is generated using organic wastes.

CNG is form of Natural gas that has been compressed. It is a cleaner alternative to the conventional fuels as it emits less greenhouse gases. In the times when the climate is changing rapidly, it is like a boon. In urban cities like Delhi where air pollution is very high, CNG is a tool to promote sustainability.

• It is a colorless, tasteless and odourless gas.
• Methane is the primary component of CNG.
• It emits lesser greenhouse gases.
• It is derived mainly from natural gas wells, coal wells, bed methane wells and oil wells.
• It gets scattered into the air very easily.
• It is stored at high pressure around 3,000 to 3,600 pounds per square inch (psi), or approximately 200 to 250 times atmospheric pressure.

• It is very environment friendly due to lower emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
• It is cheaper than the conventional fuels like petrol and diesel.
• CNG engines are more efficient than gasoline or diesel engines, resulting in better fuel economy.
• CNG can be domestically sourced, reducing dependence on imported oil and enhancing energy security of India. Natural gas fields located in various regions, including the Krishna-Godavari Basin, the Bombay High offshore field, and the Assam-Arakan Basin, among others, contribute to domestic production.

• CNG fuelling stations are less widespread when compared to petrol and diesel fuelling stations.
• CNG storing tanks generally store less fuel compared to petrol-diesel tanks. This may require more frequent filling for long travel.
• CNG tanks are bulky and heavy compared to petrol-diesel tanks, which can reduce vehicle payload capacity and interior space.
• There are some security risks concerned with storing and transporting of CNG.
• The availability of CNG-powered vehicles is still limited.
• Though, CNG emits lesser harmful gases, yet it is also a fossil fuel which contributes in the emission of greenhouse gases on burning.

1. City Gas Distribution (CDG) networks: The City Gas Distribution Networks are being expanded by the government to increase the availability of CNG across the country. It is then used for transportation and piped natural gas (PNG) for households and commercial establishments. The authorisation to develop the CGD network is provided by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) as per PNGRB Act, 2006. 818 CNG stations across the country have been setup over a period of 8-10 years as per Minimum Work Program assigned by PNGRB. The Price of CNG is market-determined.
2. Subsidies and incentives: The government is providing various subsidies and incentives to boost the adoption of CNG-powered vehicles.
3. Research and Development: The government supports the R&D in the field of CNG and other cleaner alternatives to conventional fuels. Through research, the idea of production of BioCNG was generated.

• It is produced by using Biogas that is generated using organic waste materials like Agriculture waste, food waste, sewage sludge etc.
• Biogas which is produces from the anaerobic digestion of this organic waste contains methane , Carbon-dioxide with small amounts of other gases. Hence, it is also known as bio-methane.
• This biomethane is then purified and compressed to high pressures to form BioCNG.

• It is renewable and sustainable energy source as it is produced from the organic wastes while conventional CNG is obtained from finite natural gas resources.
• BioCNG also solves the problem of waste management providing more cleaner environment to live in
• BioCNG production supports the principles of a circular economy by closing the loop on waste management.
• BioCNG production can boost the local economy by providing the farmers alternative livelihood options.

1. CBG Blending Obligation (CBO) :
   • In 2023, the mandatory blending of BioCNG in CNG and Piped Natural Gas was announced in the phased manner in City Gas Distribution Networks.
   • This mandatory obligation to include BioCNG is voluantry till FY2025 and will become mandatory from FY2026.
   • The CBO blending target is 1%, 3%, 4% and 5% of total CNG/PNG consumption for FY2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 respectively.
2. Financial assistance is provided by government to setup the biogas plants.
3. Concession is provided on Custom duty on import of machinery or products essential for biogas plants.

In these times, when one of the biggest issues worldwide is rapid global warming leading to climate change, CNG turns out to be a better and cleaner option to be adopted. Many cities in India including capital has significantly bad air quality. High use of CNG-powered vehicles can brought down the air pollution in cities and will provide a healthier environment and more sustainable future for the generations to come.