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2,000 CNG Stations will be set Up in India by 2012

Gaining popularity for being environmentally friendlier than alternative methods of fuel such as diesel and petrol, natural-gas is being used as a popular fuel in automobiles. Gail, India has made plans to invest $250 million to construct 2,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations throughout the country. The stations will be located mainly along the primary routes of national highways.

CNG is a light gas which contains 85-90% methane. It is produced through the process of compressing natural gas at standard atmospheric pressure less than 1% of its volume. CNG substantially reduces the negative effects global warming and climate change by emitting 25% less carbon dioxide and 80% less carbon monoxide. CNG is popular with users as well because it is much more fuel-efficient than traditional fuels and costs 38% less than diesel and 53% less than petrol.

The number of automobiles utilizing CNG is expected to more than double by the year 2020. Globally CNG car usage has grown 30.6% annually while the U.S. has raised a mere 3.7%. However, the technology and availability of these automobiles are becoming more popular and readily available.

Natural gas pumps can be found in many countries around the world at multi-fuel service stations. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org.

Hamburg Clears the Way for Advanced Technology Vehicles

With assistance from companies such as Daimler, Shell, Total and Vattenfall, the city of Hamburg will become Europe's second Green Capital. This will be achieved through the city and state's generous commitment of €2.25 million ($3.06 million). The funding will be utilized for hydrogen-powered cars and the infrastructure to support them. In addition to two already existing and running public hydrogen filling stations, two more will be built in the city.

Also, companies such as Mercedes, who named Hamburg as the first location for their new generation of fuel-cell cars, will bring new automobile options for the residents. Hamburg will also utilize a new system of buses including 10 new Citaro fuel-cell buses. Fuel-cell cars are now comparable to conventional models traveling up to 400 kilometers and only requiring minutes to refuel. Other renewable energy sources such as wind power will also be utilized in Europe's new Green Capital.

Mercedes-Benz Citaro G on streets in Europe. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org.