As the world’s fastest-growing emerging economy aims to transform into a manufacturing behemoth while adopting clean energy sources, natural gas plays a critical role as the best transition fuel, asserts the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
“India’s approach is aligned with global efforts to combat climate change through cleaner energy transitions. Various studies worldwide underscore the benefits of natural gas in reducing carbon and particulate matter emissions,” emphasises A Ramana Kumar, Member, PNGRB.
The shift to piped natural gas (PNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been successful in several countries, leading to improved urban air quality. India’s initiatives serve as a model for similar economies looking to balance energy needs with environmental protection, he told businessline.
PNGRB’s work on infrastructure creation and regulatory measures accelerates the shift towards natural gas. It also facilitates India’s goal of achieving a 15 per cent share of natural gas in its energy mix by 2030.
Green cities
Developing and expanding city gas distribution (CGD) networks is a critical intervention by the downstream regulator to curb air pollution, particularly in densely populated urban clusters.
The supply chain transporting LPG cylinders to households adds to vehicular pollution and traffic congestion, which is negligible for PNG. Around 5,42,960 Inch-km of pipelines have been laid to enhance natural gas delivery to homes, transport, commercial and industrial sectors.
PNGRB’s efforts to expand CGD networks and promote PNG are showing results. India now has around 1.36 crore domestic PNG connections, which is expected to increase to 12.63 crore by 2032.
Promoting CNG in cities has helped reduce air pollution by encouraging the transport sector to switch to cleaner fuels. As of September 2024, around 7,000 CNG stations had been established nationwide, and the number is expected to reach 25,000 by 2032.
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has identified 131 cities as Non-attainment cities (NAC). NCAP aims to reduce PM10 concentrations by 20-30 per cent in these cities by FY25, with an extended target of up to 40 per cent by FY26, underscoring the need for cleaner fuels.
Here, PNGRB is working in close coordination with the Environment Ministry to share available and upcoming Natural Gas infrastructure in these cities and devise various incentives for industries to convert to natural gas from polluting fuels.
Transforming logistics
“By expanding natural gas infrastructure and promoting its use across domestic, industrial, commercial and transportation sectors, PNGRB is making tangible contributions to improving air quality, aligning with national and global climate goals,” Kumar noted.
Natural gas has several advantages. It is one of the cleanest-burning fossil fuels, with complete combustion and reduced carbon dioxide emissions compared to other liquid petroleum and solid fuels. It is also less polluting than diesel, a mainstay for transport and logistics.
Diesel-based long-range trucks carrying heavy loads are responsible for a major share of the transport sector’s carbon emissions, nearly 13.5 per cent of India’s energy-related emissions.
LNG as a fuel for long-range trucking is another potential area for significantly reducing emissions in road transport. About 1,000 trucks are presently operating with LNG as a fuel in our country, with 10-12 LNG stations on the national highways. These numbers are expected to increase to 50 stations in the coming couple of years, and the same with the number of LNG trucks.
The government, therefore, is also promoting trucks running on LNG, on the lines of China. LNG emits 30 per cent less CO2, 100 per cent less Sulphur Oxides (Sox) and 91 per cent less Particulate Matter (PM).
LNG is estimated to have a 24 per cent lower emission factor (gCO2/kg-fuel) than diesel. According to Cummins, natural gas has 13-17 per cent lower well-to-wheel greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 27 per cent lower CO2 emissions than petroleum when using virgin natural gas. It is also cheaper than diesel and will help to cut down the crude oil import bill of the world’s third-largest importer.
“With continued efforts and collaboration, natural gas will remain central to India’s journey towards a cleaner, greener future,” emphasised Kumar.
