Leading The Shift Towards Mass Adoption Of LNG Trucks

With LNG policy, pricing, infrastructure and the recent launch of Tata Prima 5530.S LNG in focus, the mass adoption of LNG trucks for sustainable green logistics is more crucial than ever before, writes Ashish Bhatia.

- Ashish Bhatia

Recent developments in LNG infrastructure enhance its viability as a long-haul fuel option. The goal is to boost LNG infrastructure and support India’s energy transition toward sustainable and green logistics. According to a recent study by the US Energy Information Administration, India’s LNG industry is set to triple its natural gas consumption by 2050. Indian natural gas consumption is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.4 per cent, significantly outpacing China’s projected growth rate of two per cent. This positions India as the fastest-growing market for natural gas, with an anticipated investment of Rs. 7.8 lakh crore in this sector.

Up to 73 million metric tonnes of petroleum products could potentially be replaced by natural gas. This growth will necessitate a significant increase in both domestic natural gas supply and imports in the coming years to support LNG-based transportation. The government’s target to increasing the share of natural gas in energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030 is expected to help India reduce its dependency on oil, influenced by economic factors and energy dynamics.

THE CRITICAL ROLE OF LNG TRUCKS

Truck OEMs are chalking out their decarbonisation strategies. and establishing their priorities to meet the goals that the government of India has set. Environmentally, LNG trucks are known to offer about 23 per cent lower emissions compared to diesel. However, the economic advantage can vary based on specific conditions and market factors. Looking ahead, the importance of geopolitical factors, supply constraints, and increasing demand, particularly from India, China, and other Asian countries can’t be stressed enough. India must focus on enhancing its gas industry infrastructure to effectively utilise the expected demand growth of which LNG-based transportation will be a crucial subset in the next decade. No wonder, countries the world over are incentivising the use of LNG trucks.