Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Natural Gas Vehicles (NGV) can reduce fuel costs by up to 60% for businesses in Ireland, whilst also significantly reducing vehicle emissions – over 150 transport and energy industry professionals heard at a Bord Gáis Networks conference at Croke Park, titled, 'Natural Gas Vehicles – Fuelling Ireland's Transport Future'.

"The global market for alternatively-fuelled vehicles is continuing to expand rapidly. Natural Gas Vehicles, which use Compressed Natural Gas, deliver significant economic and environmental benefits over petrol or diesel and are a market-proven technology. Switching your business fleet to Natural Gas Vehicles can result in financial savings of up to 60% on fuel usage – using vehicles and refuelling infrastructure readily available and widely used in other countries. Compressed Natural Gas, and further renewable gas, generates significantly lower emissions than conventionally-powered vehicles," said John Barry, Managing Director of Bord Gáis Networks.

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"We believe there is a viable opportunity for NGVs in Ireland and we believe our role is that of a facilitator in the development of an NGV industry. Bord Gáis Networks has a core objective to increase utilisation of the natural gas network and reduce network charges for all gas customers. We have a very modern and resilient network and plentiful supplies of gas are available, which together means there is every opportunity to grow the use of natural gas in Ireland. The pharmaceutical, manufacturing and hospitality industries have benefited greatly from the availability of natural gas and we will now seek to bring the advantages of this clean, cost effective fuel to the transport sector too. The conference is the start of a process to share information and suggestions on the way forward," Mr Barry added.

Also speaking at the Bord Gáis Networks conference, Ronald W. Jibson, CEO & President of US gas company Questar Corporation and incoming President of the American Gas Association said: "Following the recent substantial supplies of natural gas that have been discovered as a result of the shale explorations, natural gas is poised to be at the forefront of national energy solutions in the United States and throughout the world. I commend those in Ireland who have recognised that the abundance, cleanliness, affordability and versatility of natural gas makes it a very compelling alternative for petroleum in the world of transportation. By working together, government and industry, we truly have the opportunity to create energy security in our countries. Natural gas for transportation technology provides a solution today and in to the future."

(CD)