The number of natural gas transportation ships is rising annually, attesting to the fuel's usefulness. Compared to other types of fuel like diesel and gasoline, it is a lot better in all aspects. This fact alone makes a lot of people doubt as to why its use does not come into precedence compared to other fuel sources. That said, can compressed natural gas be a main fuel source? Let's look at some of its qualities and assess whether it is capable of kicking oil from the top pedestal.
Availability
Just the number of natural gas transportation ships circling the world is a testament to how much the natural gas is left in the world – the supply is seemingly unlimited. Currently, the supply of natural gas can power the world for at least more than sixty years. Don't fret however as a lot of studies are underway to create a synthetic natural gas with the same properties as the original.
Usage
The fossil fuel is capable of what diesel can do, add the fact that it is capable of running the natural gas transportation ships that are carrying it. There are over 12 million vehicles that are running compressed natural gas (CNG) worldwide – and the number is increasing as we speak. From cars to boats and even to power plants, natural gas is pretty versatile. Aside from which, it can also be used in cooking and in gas log fireplaces; your gas line at home is powered by the said fossil fuel. However, despite the many benefits, people still use diesel mainly because making a vehicle compatible to natural gas is seemingly expensive. However, if you compare expenditures in the long run, natural gas is more cost-effective than diesel.
Cost
Now that we have floated on the aspect regarding prices, let's delve deeper. Currently, natural gas is twice as cheap (and provides the same amount of power) as gasoline and diesel. This is the main reason why a lot of people are converting their vehicles to run purely on it. By using it, you could cut costs by half annually. Though conversion may be expensive, it is a lot better than enduring high diesel prices, given the economy that we have today. It can be transported the same way as mainstream fuel.
Environmental impact
Partly thanks to diesel and gasoline, global warming has become an issue nowadays, making the tasks done by natural gas transportation ships an honorable cause. Using it instead of diesel will reduce ozone-depleting emissions by 90%, making it a cleaner, less toxic and safer. That said, it barely releases carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, making it safe for both the environment and human health. It is also a lot safer – compressed natural gas is released into the air in case the tank is ruptured. This is a complete contrast to diesel dripping from the tank, increasing the likelihood of fire.
Now that you know the benefits and capabilities of natural gas, is it capable of replacing diesel? Yes, with enough support and cooperation by the world's population.
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