Benefits of natural gas-fuelled vehicles

We’re working to reduce emissions by helping customers transition from heavier-carbon fuels like diesel to lower-carbon fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and Renewable Natural Gas1 (RNG).

B.C.’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by sector 

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Source: Pathways for British Columbia to achieve its GHG reduction goals; Guidehouse, 2020, p11.

At 41 per cent of provincial GHG emissions, transportation accounts for the largest emissions footprint in B.C.2 With so much room for improvement, we’re excited to be offering CNG and LNG as cost-effective solutions to help lower emissions when compared to gasoline and diesel. Learn all the ways we’re working towards a low-emission transportation sector.

Emissions reductions: fuelling with LNG or CNG compared with diesel or gasoline2 

  • GHG emissions: Natural gas vehicles emit up to 30 per cent fewer GHG emissions.
  • Nitrogen oxides (NOx): Natural gas vehicles emit up to 95 per cent fewer NOx.3
  • Particulate matter: Natural gas vehicles emit virtually no particulate matter.3

Emission reductions: fuelling with RNG compared with diesel or gasoline 

  • GHG emissions: RNG can be used seamlessly with natural gas engines, reducing GHG emissions by up to 20 to 30 per cent when replacing the combustion of conventional diesel fuel.3
  • Nitrogen oxides (NOx): Natural gas vehicles emit up to 95 per cent fewer NOx.3
  • Particulate matter: Natural gas vehicles emit virtually no particulate matter.3

Looking forward: fuelling with hydrogen

We're investing in future solutions for our customers for potentially even greater emission reductions. Learn more about hydrogen's exciting potential as a low-carbon energy option

1Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane) is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It is derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create RNG. When RNG is added to North America’s natural gas system, it mixes with conventional natural gas. This means we’re unable to direct RNG to a specific customer. But the more RNG is added to the gas system, the less conventional natural gas is needed, thereby reducing the use of fossil fuels and overall greenhouse gas emissions.

2Pathways for British Columbia to achieve its GHG reduction goals; Guidehouse, 2020, p11.

3Northwest Gas Association, Natural gas facts, page 15

BC carbon credits and carbon tax

Carbon credits 

Since natural gas is a lower-carbon fuel than gasoline or diesel, making the switch from those fuels to natural gas means you could be eligible for carbon credits, which you can sell. How does this process work?

  1. We send you an annual report of your natural gas fuel usage for the year. You submit this information to B.C.’s Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.
  2. The Ministry determines whether or not to validate your credits.
  3. If validated, you can sell those credits via the credit market, or via a broker.

Learn more about the B.C. government’s Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Requirements Regulation.

Carbon tax 

Like gasoline or diesel, natural gas for transportation is subject to B.C.’s carbon tax. But since natural gas is a lower-carbon fuel, it’s taxed at a lower rate than gasoline or diesel.

The current carbon tax rate must be translated based on the type of fuel used. Learn more about the motor fuel tax and carbon tax and the carbon tax rate by fuel type.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Email us at [email protected]