Natural gas on the road for lower CO2

Different pathways for meeting the EU ambitions of greenhouse gas reduction and energy resources diversification are reviewed and the need for a shift towards CO2-neutral fuels respectively low-carbon fossil fuels is illustrated. Based on data from different well-to-wheel studies, the case for natural gas vehicles as a timely contribution towards lowering automotive CO2-emissions is evaluated and motivated. Both technological and non-technological barriers for market introduction and government acceptance of these vehicles are reviewed. A corresponding technology roadmap for natural gas vehicle solutions is presented and critical gas vehicle research and (aftertreatment, fuelling, storage,..) technology developments are identified. Results from recent and ongoing research development projects are used to illustrate the technical feasibility of competitive low-CO2-emitting natural gas engines. Finally, it is shown how natural gas vehicle development and application can. be part of different gaseous fuel-based pathways towards sustainable mobility.