On 29 June this year, a conference organised by Dienas Bizness took place, where companies from the energy industry and specialists talked about the challenges of the industry in achieving the goals of the European Climate Plan and the competitiveness and stability of the energy sector.
At the Baltic Gas Market Forum, happening within the framework of the Baltic Energy Forum on June 2 of this year, the participants of the regional gas market discussed the current issues and challenges of the natural gas market.
Jēkabpils is one of the first towns where commercial vehicles run on CNG. According to chairman of the board of SIA ‘Jēkabpils autobusu parks’ Jānis Ščerbickis, the renovation of their bus fleet with seven CNG vehicles in Jēkabpils has made it possible to maintain the bus fare at the current level (0.50 euros), and to preserve various discounts and benefits, such as free bus rides for schoolchildren.
In order to choose the most suitable alternative fuel for a climate-neutral future, during the life of the vehicle, it is essential to consider emissions from the entire fuel extraction, production and consumption cycle, not only the direct emissions of the vehicle.
When analysing different types of fuel, several important factors shall be taken into account: energy efficiency by transferring primary energy resources into motion, overall environmental impact, and the availability of the resources. It is most important to use the well-to-wheel principle for comparison between all types of vehicles, i.e., to cover the entire fuel production chain, not just the environmental impact of fuel consumption in a car.
Financial support can be obtained for switching over to more eco-friendly road vehicles. According to Reinis Bērziņš, chairman of the board of the ALTUM development finance institution, its business energy efficiency programme includes financing the renovation of road vehicle fleets using greener vehicles, including those using CNG as fuel.
Natural gas and biomethane will play a significant role in long-term freight and passenger transport; however, experts concluded that the promotion of the use of alternative fuels requires infrastructure, fiscal and financial support, as well as a review of European Union (EU) policies, during the conference ‘Gas and Transport. Myths. Reality. Benefits’. The main topic of the discussion was the achievement of international climate objectives, while maintaining the competitiveness of transport companies.