COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS :

A CLEANER ALTERNATIVE

Contents Page:
Page
1.Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Current Situation
1.3 Limitations

3
3
4

2. Recommendations
2.1 Education
2.2 Media
2.3 Organisations

4-5
5-6
6

3. Conclusion

4. References
5. Appendix A
6. Appendix B
7. Appendix C
8. Appendix D

8-10
11
13
14
15

BACKGROUND:
Today, fossils fuels are being exploited by countries all around the world for activities ranging
from cooking to transportation. Alongside the consumption of fossil fuels, the issue of global
climatic change is also rampant. Global climatic change is one of the most pressing challenges
faced by the world today. Carbon emissions from fossil fuels are believed to be the main factor
behind the rise in atmospheric pollution and rise in global temperatures (Appendix A). In 2011,
the total energy consumption by fuel is 4059.1 Million Tonnes (oil equivalent) and it is estimated
that by 2030, this would increase to 4760.9 (BP Global, 2011). Rapid depletion of such natural
resources has led to the impending need to find alternatives to fuel sources for transportation.
In light of depleting reserves of conventional fuels such as petrol/diesel and pollution problems,
it is imperative to bring about understanding of the benefits of alternate fuels like CNG, to
commuters and the general public. Not only is CNG eco-friendly, efficient, and economical; its
reserves are likely to last much longer than other fuels (Appendix B). However, many vehicle
owners are hesitant to switch over to CNG, due to perceived doubts over safety, explosion risks,
and discrepancies in the filling process (Nadar & Nayak, 2013). Hence, there is a dire need to
address these misconceptions (some of which are scientifically obsolete), through education of
commuters and the public.
CURRENT SITUATION:
Singapore is adopting a more eco-friendly approach in the transport industry with the
introduction of CNG and its usage as an alternative and environmentally friendly fuel and
source of energy (SEAS, 2013). As of today, there are 5 CNG filling stations in central areas of
Singapore (C. Melchers GmbH & Co, 2010) one of which is recognized by the Guinness World
Records as being the largest in the world with 46 refuelling hoses (NGV Global News, 2009).
Singaporea has stepped up its efforts to increase the number of CNG users on
the road with monetary incentives, such as the Green Vehicle Rebate (GVR) initiative which is
an effort by various government agencies and offers incentives to promote green vehicles which
are more fuel-efficient and emit less air pollutants than their conventional petrol or diesel
equivalents (NEA, 2010).
Moreover, there are programmes to educate Singaporeans on energy efficiency and alternative
sources of renewable, green energy like natural gas. Associations like Sustainable Energy
Association of Singapore (SEAS) conduct many training, learning enterprise and market
development programmes as well as conferences regarding environmental sustainability (SEAS,
2013). The National Environment Agency of Singapore (NEA) also conducts many educational
campaigns such as Clean & Green Singapore, Energy Efficient Singapore Campaign (NEA,
2013) which are targeted at the young.

LIMITATIONS:
As of 2011, the usage of CNG in the transport-related sector is 2.3% (EMA, 2012), which is
considerably low compared to petrol/diesel users (Appendix C). Also, CNG is mainly utilized in
public transport, such as SBS buses or SMART Taxis that convert their fuel storage to CNG
storage tanks. Hence, it can be concluded that commuters are generally not motivated by
monetary incentives, limiting the success of government initiatives.
Moreover, SEASs mission states that they conduct various activities to promote the interests
and enhance the business of our member companies (SEAS, 2013). On the other hand, NEAs
programmes are generic and do not emphasize alternative energy sources such as CNG.
Therefore, the general public lacks the vital information and need to be educated in regard to
this.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Education:
As of 2012, the ownership of cars is estimated to be 110 per 1,000 people (SingStat, 2012).
Considering the expansion of the current population to 6.9 million in the future (Singapore
Population White Paper, 2013), it can be estimated that there would definitely be more vehicles
on the road. Being the future generation of commuters, it is essential for students to be well
aware of the impacts they might be imposing on the environment due to fuel usage. Constant
depletion of non-renewable resources has underscored the need to educate the younger
generation on energy sustainability and alternatives like CNG. Teaching them about generic
environmental issues is insufficient to cope with the problems of an expanding population and an
increase in commutation. In fact, it is important to prepare them for a more eco-friendly, energyconscious future through a specific educational approach.
In Sharjah, UAE, the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority organized the 2012 Model
Conservation City at Al Qasba on 21 February 2012 (SEWA, 2012). During this event, which
met with an overwhelming response from the public, conservation programmes and activities
were conducted during which information on the rationalization of energy consumption and the
use of natural gas as a new vital energy source were emphasized.
Singapore can adopt this programme, and make it a long-term educational programme that will
have longer-lasting effects than a one-time event. Agencies like SEAS and NEA and the Ministry
of Education could collaborate to create an education programme specific to sustainable energy
sources and its usage in areas like transport. This should be targeted at the secondary school
level.

University/Polytechnic students become eligible for a driving licence. As such, they will make
decisions about their future usage of private transport, and their knowledge/awareness is a
significant factor affecting that decision. The Land Transport Authority as well as MOE can
liaise with the driving schools in Singapore and create an initiative to educate future commuters
on alternative fuel sources such as CNG. This can be in the form of brochures, talks or seminars
held at the various driving schools.
Moreover, University and Polytechnic students should be encouraged to attend talks like Young
Professionals Talks Series : Petroleum Industry led by Mr David Chen, held in NUS in 2013. By
attending educational forums, they gain insight into alternative energy sources. These talks can
be publicised through their school mails or even incorporated as part of their relevant modules.
Media:
Media has a significant influence on Singaporean population in todays society. In a recent poll
done on political awareness in Singapore, media analysts concluded that media influence is the
main reason behind the slight strain that the Peoples Action Party underwent in garnering the
support of people during the elections, as it lost 6 seats to the opposition. This underscores the
significant inclination that media has in influencing the thoughts of people in Singapore (The
Wall Street Journal, 2011). Radio is one of the oldest, yet most resilient forms of mass media.
Singapore has several radio channels attracting various groups of people. Its non-intrusive nature
attracts marketers to use this cost-effective method in order to reach out to their target audience
(Radio Broadcaster of the Year, 2012). Majority of the current commuters listen to the radio
while commuting and thus using advertising through radio channels to reach them would be an
intelligent decision.
Singapore could attempt to use this mode of mass media to increase awareness of the use of
CNG because almost all groups of people are exposed to it. Many successful products have been
promoted through radio advertising which offers high reachability and low costs. Therefore
promoting certain notions through the radio would also yield high reachability. The notion of
CNG being a greener alternative should be proffered by the various radio channels.
Mediacorp should collaborate with NEA to come up with advertisements for radio channels to
promote the use of CNG and its positive impacts and therefore increasing awareness amongst the
people. Many current commuters, including car owners and potential car buyers, would become
aware of the choice that they need to make between a normal oil-running car and a CNGpowered vehicle. Current CNG consumers should also be called for an interview with the
respective radio channels where they can describe their experience owning CNG-powered cars in
terms of mileage and speed. This promotional tactic could also be used in television programmes
where visual aid is also applicable. This would reach out to a larger base of audience attracting

the attention of many and thus making them aware of CNG as an alternative fuel source for the
near future.
Organizations:
Increasing public understanding of CNG and its benefits for transportation, would certainly
require an initiative involving car manufacturers and suppliers. Most car companies focus on
manufacturing more cars equipped with engines running on CNG, to increase the demand for
eco-friendly automobiles. A similar initiative has already been adopted by Swedish car and
power companies, to present electric cars as a new environmentally friendly alternative to
commuters in Sweden (Government Offices Of Sweden, 2008). However, such methods only
increase availability of these vehicles, and do nothing to alleviate awareness or understanding. To
address this issue, car suppliers and distributors, including showrooms (for private brands),
should make it mandatory for purchasers of such cars to attend sessions to understand the
working principles of CNG vehicles. This would require expertise and effective collaboration of
showrooms and car manufacturers to ensure appropriate communication of necessary
information.
Car manufacturers could partner up with organisations supporting natural gas to promote natural
gas, as a clean, safe and environmentally friendly alternative. Apache, a primary producer of
natural gas North America, has played a significant role in Americas Natural Gas Alliance to
promote CNG usage in transportation, and has also organised events such as Drive Natural Gas
initiative, in collaboration with NGVAmerica, the American Gas Association, and the
Department of Energy Clean Cities coalition (Apache Corporation, 2012). Moreover, Singapore,
being a home to several environmental NGOs, many of which play a significant role in the local
environmental movement, such as ECO Singapore and Singapore Environment Council (Wu,
2009) could use them to launch awareness drives and campaigns to promote CNG use and create
an understanding through efforts like displaying statistics highlighting rising pollution levels due
to fuel emissions, at strategic spots, like MRT stations and vehicle service centres.
Companies involved in activities like importing and retail of natural gas, such as Sembcorp Gas
Pte Ltd., Keppel Gas Pte. Ltd., and Senoko Energy Ltd. (EMA, 2012) should form coalitions to
promote CNG as an alternative fuel through public outreach and education, similar to Colorado
Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, whose aim is to promote natural gas as an alternative
transportation fuel through vehicles and fueling infrastructure development in Colorado
(CNGVC). This could be done through branding, websites, educational presentations, brochures
and pamphlets and organising events with large-scale public participation, where the key
advantages of using CNG could be emphasised. However, mere advertising of compressed
natural gas and its usage in transportation would not suffice. Employing social scientists and
technology managers to communicate the benefits of natural gas to the public would be a good
option. (Kasperson & Ram, 2013).
6

CONCLUSION:
The rapid depletion of natural resources has underscored the impending need to come up with
alternative means for transportation. Compressed Natural Gas is the most reasonable and feasible
solution to the current problem as many countries all around the world have already been
adopting these changes. However, there is a lack of awareness in Singapore surrounding the
issue of CNG and therefore, we have chosen three platforms on which CNG can be promoted,
namely education, media and organisations. Three differing target audience can be reached out to
through various collaborative efforts. Through these efforts, we believe that Singaporeans will be
equipped with sufficient knowledge in order to make the right decisions regarding current
environmental concerns.

REFERENCES
Apache Corporation (November, 2012). Apache Shifts To Overdrive To Promote Natural Gas.
Retrieved from: http://www.apachecorp.com/News/Articles/View_Article.aspx?
Article.ItemID=2905
BP Global Website (2011).
Retrieved from:
http://www.bp.com/sectionbodycopy.do?categoryId=7500&contentId=7068481
C. Melchers GmbH & Co (2010). Singapores CNG Website.
Retrieved from:
http://www.cng.com.sg/station-locator.html
Colorado Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition website (2011).
Retrieved from:
http://www.conaturalgascoalition.com/
Department of Statistics Singapore website (2012).
Retrieved from:
http://www.singstat.gov.sg/
Energy Market Authority, Singapore Gas Authority (2011).
Retrieved from:
http://www.ema.gov.sg/page/114/id:48/
Energy Market Authority Singapore (2012). Energising Our Nation - Singapore Energy Statistics
2012. Retrieved from:
http://www.ema.gov.sg/media/files/publications/EMA_SES_2012_Final.pdf
Government Offices Of Sweden (2008, March). Joint initiative to present Swedish electric cars.
Retrieved from:
http://www.government.se/sb/d/10123/a/100866
Kasperson R. & Ram B. (2013, January). The Public Acceptance of New Energy Technologies.
Daedalus, 142(1), pp 90-96. doi : 10.1162/DAED_a_00187
Wu K. (2009, Nov 30). Going Green from the ground up: Environmental NGOs in Singapore.
Green Kampong.
Retrieved from:

http://www.greenkampong.com/green_reporter/going-green-from-the-ground-up-environmentalngos-in-singapore/
Mahtani S (2011). The Wall Street Journal, Poll questions on social medias influence on
Singapore politics.
Retrieved from:
http://www.spp.nus.edu.sg/ips/docs/media/yr2011/Internet%20election/WSJ_Poll%20Questions
%20Social%20Media_061011.pdf
Marketing-interactive.com (2012). Radio Broadcaster Of The Year 2012.
Retrieved from:
http://www.marketing-interactive.com/news/33651
Nadar P. & Nayak S. (2013, Mar 28). Clearing The Air About Gas. Afternoon Despatch &
Courier. Retrieved from:
http://global.factiva.com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/
National Environment Agency Website (2012).
Retrieved from:
http://app2.nea.gov.sg/topics_gvr.aspx
National Environment Agency Website (2012).
Retrieved from:
http://app2.nea.gov.sg/campaigns.aspx
NGV Global News, ANGVA Green Highways Project 2009 Update Singapore & Malaysia
(2009).
Retrieved from:
http://www.ngvglobal.com/angva-green-highways-project-2009-update-singapore-malaysia-0910
Pakistan State Oil Website (2012).
Retrieved from:
http://www.psopk.com/products_services/cng.php
Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (2012). SEWA organizes the 2012 Model Conservation
City at Al Qasba
Retrieved from:
http://www.sewa.gov.ae/English/news/news39.asp
Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore Website (2013).
Retrieved from:

http://www.seas.org.sg/about-seas/our-committees/compressednaturalgas
http://www.seas.org.sg/about-seas/what-we-do
Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore Website (2013).
Retrieved from:
http://www.seas.org.sg/events/past-event/view_type/2013/3/19/-1?eventtype=-1
The National Population and Talent Division, Singapore Population White Paper (2013).
Retrieved from:
http://www.nptd.gov.sg/content/NPTD/news/_jcr_content/par_content/download_98/file.res/pop
ulation-white-paper.pdf

APPENDIX A

10

The Car and Global Warming

Motor vehicles are the single biggest source of atmospheric pollution,contributing an estimated 14% of
the world's carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning, a proportion than is steadily rising. Add the
emissions from exploration, transportation, refining and distribution of fuel, and this figure if 15 to 20
percent of world emissions.

The average American car releases 300 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from a full, 15
gallon tank of gasoline.

The average European car produces over 4 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
Methane (another global warming gas, 21 times more powerful than carbon dioxide) is also emitted by

cars. The level is quite low, only about 1% of UK emissions, for example. But, they facilitate the annual
buildup of methane in the atmosphere0.9% increase per yearby emitting large quantities of carbon
monoxide.
Carbon monoxide interacts and uses up hydroxyl radical in the atmosphere. Hydroxyl radical is the
principal chemical for destroying methane. Emissions of carbon monoxide increase global warming by
removing a defense against the buildup of methane.
In all, transport is estimated to account for 20-25% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

The Car and Pollution

Exhaust fumes cause acid air, pollution, cancer, lead-poisoning and a variety of bronchial and respiratory
illnesses. The average car emits a cocktail of more than 1,000 pollutants
Tetraethyl Lead: added to fuel to increase the output power of the engine. Effects: it is extremely toxic
and can effect almost any organ of the body. Low level exposure over a long period most commonly
effects the nervous system and blood. Can impair the mental abilities of children. 7 out of 10 children in
Mexico city have had their development stunted by lead poisoning from cars.
Benzene: occurs naturally in crude oil. High benzene crudes sometimes added to fuel to improve the
properties of premium unleaded gasoline. Highest concentration levels outdoors are in urban areas, and
especially near petrol stations, petrol tanks and benzene producing/handling industries. Effects: a proven
carcinogen. Studies on benzene-exposed workers show statistically significant association to acute
leukemia.
No safe level of airborne benzene can be recommended, as benzene is carcinogenic to humans and
there is no known safe threshold level
Carbon Monoxide: cars are the major source of carbon monoxide, accounting for over 65 percent of
emissions in OECD countries. Effects: one of the most directly toxic substances, it affects human health
by impairing the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood causing impaired perception, slowing reflexes and
drowsiness. It can increase occurrence of headaches and effects the central nervous system, the heart
and the transference of blood around the body. In large doses, it is fatal.
Nitrogen Dioxide. Effects humans and plants, reducing growth and causing lesions in sensitive crops,
whilst in humans causing irritation to the respiratory tract, reducing lung function and possibly increasing
susceptibility to viral infections.
Nitric Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide: together play major role in formation of acid rain and in Europe are
thought to contribute up to half of the acidification of rain. In OECD countries, 47 percent of nitrogen
oxides come from road vehicles. They also contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, affect the
acidification of soil and cause changes in ground florathe development of nitrogen loving species at the
expense of other speciesand the over development of micro-flora in seas and lakes, creating a lack of
oxygen in the water which kills wildlife.

11

 Low Level Ozone: The production of ozone is an indirect consequence of car pollution. It results from

photochemical reactions between hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Ozone is the main ingredient in
photochemical smog, which effects eye irritation, headaches, coughing, impaired lung function and eye,
nose and throat irritation. Asthmatics and children are most at risk. On a single bad day in Athens the
smog can kill 8 people and send up to 200 people to hospital. Background levels of tropospheric ozone
are thought to have doubled in the northern hemisphere over the past century. (8, 1) Ozone is also the
single most important pollutant affecting vegetation. It damages food crops, particularly potatoes,
tomatoes, wheat and spinach, with leaf diseases. This causes farmers to switch to less sensitive crops,
leading to loss of biodiversity. With present ozone levels in Switzerland, agricultural losses cost at least
US$200 per hectare. Ozone damage also affects forests in America and Europepines and larch are
particularly sensitive.
Sulfurous Emissions: cause soil and water acidification, damage to plants (especially trees, mosses and
certain lichens), and smog.
Catalytic Converters are able to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen
oxides but need regular inspection and maintenance to work effectively.
Catalytic Converters have been shown to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide by 80 percent under test
conditions. But, despite their use for 3 decades in the U.S., high levels of carbon monoxide remain a
problem in urban areas. This is probably due to a combination of very high emissions when catalysts are
cold and ineffective, complete catalyst failure and deliberate misfuelling or tampering.
Catalytic Converters have been shown to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide by 95 percent, but in
actually use emissions depend on speed. Minimum emissions occur between 40-60 miles per hour and
increase with higher speeds.
Car certification can cause confusion. A Japanese car certified under the Japanese procedure, which has
a maximum speed of 110 kph, when tested on UK roads was found to have excessive emissions of
carbon monoxide at higher speeds and in fact produced more carbon monoxide than a non-catalyst car.
A WHO report found that long term air pollution from cars in Austria, Switzerland and France triggered an
extra 21,000 premature deaths per year from respiratory or heart diseasesmore than the total number
of annual traffic deaths in the three countries.
The Institute for European Environmental Policy has published a report showing that car drivers breathe
in up to three times more toxic exhaust fumes than pedestrians or cyclists. Cars do not protect drivers
from pollution, as motorists are driving in a "tunnel of pollution." Car drivers in the centre or outside lanes
are subject to a huge buildup of toxic gases. Cyclists and pedestrians who stay close to the curb avoid the
worst of the pollution as they are not in the pollution tunnel. (3)
The Swedish National Chemicals Inspectorate has reported that wear and tear on car tyres releases tiny
airborne particles called PM10s, which may cause cancer. Car tyres are the main source of PM10
pollutants, which have also been linked to 10,000 premature deaths in Britain each year from lung and
heart disease.

Source: http://www.worldcarfree.net/resources/stats.php#to
APPENDIX B

5 Reasons Why You Should Switch to Compressed Natural Gas

According to the Natural Gas Vehicles for America, there are now over 120,000 vehicles in the United
States that run on compressed natural gas. Around the world, there are now more than 8.7 million
natural gas vehicles or NGVs. And these numbers will continue to rise as compressed natural gas

12

increasingly becomes the alternative fuel of choice. But what made almost 9 million vehicle owners all
over the world decide to choose CNG vehicles over traditional? Lets take a look at 5 of the best
reasons why compressed natural gas should be your choice too.

Compressed natural gas is ECO-FRIENDLY? Engines running on CNG produce less

hydrocarbon exhaust emissions than gasoline-fuelled engines. In fact, compared to cars fuelled by
gasoline or diesel, natural gas vehicles produce 70% less carbon monoxide (CO), 87% less nonmethane organic gas (NMOG), 87% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) and 20% less carbon dioxide (CO2).
And although natural gas vehicles do emit methane, one of the principal greenhouse gases, the
methane emission is offset by the significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

Compressed Natural Gas is SAFE? CNG is stored in spherical or cylindrical tanks that
are much stronger than gasoline fuel tanks. In case of an accident, CNG will dissipate into the
atmosphere unlike gasoline, which pools in the ground and becomes a dangerous fire hazard. CNG
also has a narrower range of flammability, which means that natural gas will not burn in
concentrations in air that is below 5% and above 15%. In addition, natural gas is not toxic or
corrosive. And because any leaks dissipate into the atmosphere instead of the ground, CNG will
not contaminate ground water.

Compressed Natural Gas is EFFICIENT - Since natural gas is 90% methane, it has a
substantially higher octane rating compared to gasoline. This allows for higher compression ratios
that make the engines running on CNG significantly more efficient. Also, because CNG is a cleanburning fuel, it causes less wear and tear on the engine. This results to longer engine life and
more savings from maintenance costs such as tune-ups and oil/ spark plug changes.

Compressed Natural Gas COSTS LESS? Natural gas costs significantly less than either
gasoline or diesel. In fact, CNG is available at a third of the price of gasoline on average. Also, the
prices of natural gas are less volatile compared to oil prices. This stability makes long term cost
planning easier. Reduction in engine wear and tear due to the clean burning characteristic of
natural gas also helps NGV owners save up on expensive tune-ups, parts replacements and oil
changes.

Compressed Natural Gas is ABUNDANT and READILY AVAILABLE - The United

States has an abundant supply of natural gas. There is also an extensive, well-established network
of gas pipelines distributing natural gas to several areas in the country. Also, there are now more
than 1,300 CNG fuelling stations across the US with more being built everyday. This makes CNG
use convenient as NGV owners have easy access to natural gas fuelling stations.
With these five top reasons, its easy to see why CNG is an excellent alternative to petroleum-based
fuels. Making the switch to CNG is easy even if you currently own a gasoline or diesel vehicle. CNG
United exclusively offers the best conversion systems on the market- Auto Gaz the world leader of
consistent top quality CNG systems. We have an AG system to match most any vehicle from Ford Chevy, Mazda - BMW, GMC - Volkswagen, AG systems will handle it.
Source: http://www.cngunited.com/news/5-reasons-why-you-should-switch-to-compressed-naturalgas

APPENDIX C
FINAL NATURAL GAS SALES
Final natural gas* sales in Singapore amounted to 1,240.6 ktoe in 2011. This figure does not
include natural gas expended during electricity production by commercial generators. The
industrial-related sector remained the biggest consumer of natural gas, accounting for 1,078.3

13

ktoe or 86.9% of total final natural gas consumption in Singapore in 2011. Commerce- and
service-related sector (69.5 ktoe or 5.6%), households (55.2 ktoe or 4.4%) and transport-related
sector (28.3 ktoe or 2.3%)
were also significant consumers of natural gas. Households and the commerce- and servicerelated sector consumed natural gas mainly for cooking purposes. Natural gas consumption in the
transport-related sector was mainly in the form of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for motor
vehicles.

* Includes
Natural Gas
only.

natural gas (excluding

Liquid) and town gas

Source:

http://www.ema.gov.sg/media/files/publications/EMA_SES_2012_Final.pdf

APPENDIX D
Evaluation Of Databases:
#

Relevant Database

Reasons for Selection

14

Scopus

1. It is a very large database that contains articles

with in-depth information.
2. It contains several articles on alternative fuels and
energy.

Factiva

1. It contains several newspapers articles that were

helpful in our research on current responses.
2. It contains factual data from all around the world.

Irrelevant Database

Reasons for Selection

PubMed

1.It is a database where several scholarly articles on

medicine are published.
2.It does not contain much information on energy
and alternative fuels.

Relevant
Database

The most relevant

reference

Reason for selection

Factiva

Nadar P. & Nayak S.

(2013, Mar 28).
Clearing The Air
About Gas.
Afternoon Despatch
& Courier. Retrieved
from:
http://global.factiva.c
om.libproxy1.nus.ed
u.sg/

This reference highlights some

of the benefits of CNG, as
perceived by consumers and
also talks about some of the
misconceptions that display the
lack of understanding about
some of the principles involved
in CNG.

15