IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/rensus/v71y2017icp785-795.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Liquefied natural gas: Could it be a reliable option for road freight transport in the EU?

Author

Listed:
  • Osorio-Tejada, Jose Luis
  • Llera-Sastresa, Eva
  • Scarpellini, Sabina

Abstract

Approximately one-quarter of the total greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in Europe can be attributed to the transport sector, with petroleum-derived fuels dominating road transport. In the current environmental and economic context, the use of less polluting alternative fuels simultaneously providing security of supply and optimal energy storage is encouraged. Natural gas (NG) technology for transportation is mature and extended through the use of the compressed form in urban and light vehicles. The introduction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) could broaden the use of natural gas for longer distances due to its higher energy density. In addition, the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles reduces the GHG emissions per kilometer by up to 20% and eliminates almost 100% of the sulfur oxides and particulate matter while also reducing the noise in inner cities compared with the use of diesel trucks. This paper reviews the key environmental, technical and socioeconomic aspects of LNG deployment as alternative fuel for road freight transport. Although it is necessary to continue research to develop a reliable database to estimate the actual environmental impact of LNG, the main difficulties for its deployment are market-related. From this market perspective, the prospects for LNG introduction in the European scenario have also been analyzed. Ensuring price stability and reducing uncertainty for investments are keys. Steps taken to date for developing an open and transparent international NG market are paving the way. In addition, the installation of new LNG terminals would significantly contribute to the security of supply and meeting diversification targets. Finally, some projections for the LNG implementation in the Spanish road freight transport are introduced, concluding that the fuel switch in long-haul trucks could reduce GHG emissions by 12% and diesel fuel consumption by 42% in the long term.

Suggested Citation

  • Osorio-Tejada, Jose Luis & Llera-Sastresa, Eva & Scarpellini, Sabina, 2017. "Liquefied natural gas: Could it be a reliable option for road freight transport in the EU?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 785-795.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:71:y:2017:i:c:p:785-795
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.12.104
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032116311601
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.rser.2016.12.104?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Stathopoulos, Amanda & Valeri, Eva & Marcucci, Edoardo, 2012. "Stakeholder reactions to urban freight policy innovation," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 22(C), pages 34-45.
    2. Anne Neumann, 2009. "Linking Natural Gas Markets - Is LNG Doing its Job?," The Energy Journal, , vol. 30(1_suppl), pages 187-200, June.
    3. Kumar, Satish & Kwon, Hyouk-Tae & Choi, Kwang-Ho & Lim, Wonsub & Cho, Jae Hyun & Tak, Kyungjae & Moon, Il, 2011. "LNG: An eco-friendly cryogenic fuel for sustainable development," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(12), pages 4264-4273.
    4. Zunder, Thomas H. & Ibanez, J. Nicolas, 2004. "Urban freight logistics in the European Union," European Transport \ Trasporti Europei, ISTIEE, Institute for the Study of Transport within the European Economic Integration, issue 28, pages 77-84.
    5. Yeh, Sonia, 2007. "An empirical analysis on the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles: The case of natural gas vehicles," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 35(11), pages 5865-5875, November.
    6. Kakaee, Amir-Hasan & Paykani, Amin, 2013. "Research and development of natural-gas fueled engines in Iran," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 805-821.
    7. De Simio, L. & Gambino, M. & Iannaccone, S., 2013. "Possible transport energy sources for the future," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 1-10.
    8. Anderson, Larry G., 2015. "Effects of using renewable fuels on vehicle emissions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 162-172.
    9. Richter, Philipp M. & Holz, Franziska, 2015. "All quiet on the eastern front? Disruption scenarios of Russian natural gas supply to Europe," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 177-189.
    10. Salvi, B.L. & Subramanian, K.A. & Panwar, N.L., 2013. "Alternative fuels for transportation vehicles: A technical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 25(C), pages 404-419.
    11. Barnes, Ryan & Bosworth, Ryan, 2015. "LNG is linking regional natural gas markets: Evidence from the gravity model," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 11-17.
    12. Cheenkachorn, Kraipat & Poompipatpong, Chedthawut & Ho, Choi Gyeung, 2013. "Performance and emissions of a heavy-duty diesel engine fuelled with diesel and LNG (liquid natural gas)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 52-57.
    13. Flouri, Maria & Karakosta, Charikleia & Kladouchou, Charikleia & Psarras, John, 2015. "How does a natural gas supply interruption affect the EU gas security? A Monte Carlo simulation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 785-796.
    14. Arteconi, A. & Polonara, F., 2013. "LNG as vehicle fuel and the problem of supply: The Italian case study," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 503-512.
    15. Quak, H.J. & de Koster, M.B.M., 2006. "Urban Distribution: The Impacts of Different Governmental Time-Window Schemes," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2006-053-LIS, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    16. Engerer, Hella & Horn, Manfred, 2010. "Natural gas vehicles: An option for Europe," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(2), pages 1017-1029, February.
    17. Arteconi, A. & Brandoni, C. & Evangelista, D. & Polonara, F., 2010. "Life-cycle greenhouse gas analysis of LNG as a heavy vehicle fuel in Europe," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 87(6), pages 2005-2013, June.
    18. Ma, Linwei & Geng, Jia & Li, Weqi & Liu, Pei & Li, Zheng, 2013. "The development of natural gas as an automotive fuel in China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 531-539.
    19. Yeh, Sonia, 2007. "An empirical analysis on the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles:The case of natural gas vehicles," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt2k09h787, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    20. Yeh, Sonia, 2007. "An empirical analysis on the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles:The case of natural gas vehicles," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt92h7g194, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    21. Lu, Shyi-Min, 2015. "A global survey of gas hydrate development and reserves: Specifically in the marine field," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 884-900.
    22. Klemick, Heather & Kopits, Elizabeth & Wolverton, Ann & Sargent, Keith, 2015. "Heavy-duty trucking and the energy efficiency paradox: Evidence from focus groups and interviews," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 154-166.
    23. Li, Weiqi & Dai, Yaping & Ma, Linwei & Hao, Han & Lu, Haiyan & Albinson, Rosemary & Li, Zheng, 2015. "Oil-saving pathways until 2030 for road freight transportation in China based on a cost-optimization model," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 369-384.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Pfoser, Sarah & Schauer, Oliver & Costa, Yasel, 2018. "Acceptance of LNG as an alternative fuel: Determinants and policy implications," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 259-267.
    2. Girma T. Chala & Abd Rashid Abd Aziz & Ftwi Y. Hagos, 2018. "Natural Gas Engine Technologies: Challenges and Energy Sustainability Issue," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-44, October.
    3. Sehatpour, Mohammad-Hadi & Kazemi, Aliyeh & Sehatpour, Hesam-eddin, 2017. "Evaluation of alternative fuels for light-duty vehicles in Iran using a multi-criteria approach," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 295-310.
    4. Li, Weiqi & Dai, Yaping & Ma, Linwei & Hao, Han & Lu, Haiyan & Albinson, Rosemary & Li, Zheng, 2015. "Oil-saving pathways until 2030 for road freight transportation in China based on a cost-optimization model," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 369-384.
    5. Vásquez Cordano, Arturo Leonardo & Rojas, Pedro & Aurazo, José, 2021. "Pricing Coordination in a Spatial Context: Evidence from the Retail Vehicular Natural Gas Market of Peru," Documentos de Trabajo 006, Escuela de Postgrado GERENS.
    6. Ravigné, E. & Da Costa, P., 2021. "Economic and environmental performances of natural gas for heavy trucks: A case study on the French automotive industry supply chain," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    7. Markéta Mikolajková-Alifov & Frank Pettersson & Margareta Björklund-Sänkiaho & Henrik Saxén, 2019. "A Model of Optimal Gas Supply to a Set of Distributed Consumers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-27, January.
    8. Arteconi, A. & Polonara, F., 2013. "LNG as vehicle fuel and the problem of supply: The Italian case study," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 503-512.
    9. Chen, Zheng & Zhang, Fan & Xu, Boya & Zhang, Quanchang & Liu, Jingping, 2017. "Influence of methane content on a LNG heavy-duty engine with high compression ratio," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 329-336.
    10. Brito, Thiago Luis Felipe & Moutinho dos Santos, Edmilson & Galbieri, Rodrigo & Costa, Hirdan Katarina de Medeiros, 2017. "Qualitative Comparative Analysis of cities that introduced compressed natural gas to their urban bus fleet," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 502-508.
    11. Malakoutirad, Mohammad & Bradley, Thomas H. & Hagen, Chris, 2015. "Design considerations for an engine-integral reciprocating natural gas compressor," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 156(C), pages 129-137.
    12. Wang, Hongxia & Fang, Hong & Yu, Xueying & Wang, Ke, 2015. "Development of natural gas vehicles in China: An assessment of enabling factors and barriers," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 80-93.
    13. Ackah, Ishmael & TETTEH, ELIZABETH NARKIE, 2016. "Determinants of autogas demand among Taxi Drivers in rural Ghana," MPRA Paper 74242, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    14. Hao, Han & Liu, Zongwei & Zhao, Fuquan & Li, Weiqi, 2016. "Natural gas as vehicle fuel in China: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 521-533.
    15. Ullah, Kafait & Hamid, Salman & Mirza, Faisal Mehmood & Shakoor, Usman, 2018. "Prioritizing the gaseous alternatives for the road transport sector of Pakistan: A multi criteria decision making analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(PB), pages 1072-1084.
    16. Larizzatti Zacharias, Luis Guilherme & Antunes Costa de Andrade, Ana Clara & Guichet, Xavier & Mouette, Dominique & Peyerl, Drielli, 2022. "Natural gas as a vehicular fuel in Brazil: Barriers and lessons to learn," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    17. Rodrigues Teixeira, Ana Carolina & Machado, Pedro Gerber & Borges, Raquel Rocha & Felipe Brito, Thiago Luis & Moutinho dos Santos, Edmilson & Mouette, Dominique, 2021. "The use of liquefied natural gas as an alternative fuel in freight transport – Evidence from a driver's point of view," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    18. Sun, Shouheng & Ertz, Myriam, 2022. "Life cycle assessment and risk assessment of liquefied natural gas vehicles promotion," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    19. Jose J. Soto & Victor Cantillo & Julian Arellana, 2018. "Incentivizing alternative fuel vehicles: the influence of transport policies, attitudes and perceptions," Transportation, Springer, vol. 45(6), pages 1721-1753, November.
    20. Peterson, Meghan B. & Barter, Garrett E. & West, Todd H. & Manley, Dawn K., 2014. "A parametric study of light-duty natural gas vehicle competitiveness in the United States through 2050," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 206-217.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:71:y:2017:i:c:p:785-795. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/600126/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.