Latest news with #LiquefiedNaturalGas
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Decarbonising India's highways with LNG
India's economic ambitions are rapidly taking shape. Under Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the country is investing heavily in infrastructure, manufacturing, and logistics, while expanding its global influence. But this growth journey must be rooted in sustainability. A green India cannot be an afterthought; it must be the foundation of our progress. LNG(Reuters file photo | Representational image) As India sets its sights on becoming the world's third-largest economy, road transport remains both an enabler of growth and a major contributor to emissions. Long-haul freight logistics, in particular, is heavily dependent on diesel, making it a significant source of air pollution. With transport accounting for nearly 15% of India's total emissions, decarbonising this sector is no longer optional, it is essential to meet our net-zero goals. India's logistics backbone relies on more than four million trucks that move 70% of the nation's freight. As freight demand is projected to quadruple by 2050, the number of trucks could rise to over 17 million — posing an enormous environmental challenge if diesel remains the norm. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) offers a practical and scalable solution for long-haul transport. It delivers 30% lower CO₂ emissions, up to 59% and 100% reduction in NOx and SOx respectively, over 90% lower particulate matter, and zero sulphur emissions compared to diesel. Operationally, LNG trucks offer longer driving ranges, reduced engine noise, and better handling, making them ideally suited for heavy-duty use. While hydrogen trucks may become viable in the long-run, LNG is ready now. As a crucial bridge fuel, LNG enables immediate decarbonisation of the heavy transport sector. LNG-powered trucks offer impressive range capabilities, covering up to 1,200 km on a single tank — and up to 2,400 km with twin-tank configurations. Currently, there are around 24 LNG stations operational across India, spanning key states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for green logistics. For long-distance freight, LNG provides the efficiency and range required. For short-haul and intra-city deliveries, electric vehicles (EVs) offer a clean, zero-emission option. Together, LNG and EVs present a dual strategy that can significantly reduce emissions across the logistics chain while aligning with ESG goals and improving total cost of ownership. The push toward a gas-based economy is central to India's energy strategy. The government has laid out a roadmap to increase the share of natural gas in India's energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030. Infrastructure is scaling up rapidly with new LNG terminals, pipelines, and city gas distribution networks. Within this framework, LNG-powered trucking aligns perfectly with national goals. If even a third of the country's trucking fleet transitions to LNG in the next seven to 10 years — as explored in recent policy discussions — it would mark a massive step toward energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Despite its benefits, adoption of LNG in Indian trucking remains limited. Only 1,000+ LNG trucks are currently operational — a small fraction of what is needed to make a meaningful impact. The pace of adoption reflects the necessity of building a stronger ecosystem, marked by broader LNG refuelling availability and robust financial support from banks and NBFCs The economics make sense too. Although the initial cost of an LNG truck is about 40% higher than diesel, the operating costs are lower. Due to operating costs being much lower than diesel, the use of the vehicle helps in bottom-line profitability and easy payback. It also ensures buyers of higher EMI affordability and better environmental performance. For many fleets, the payback period can be as short as 18 to 24 months. China's rapid scale-up offers an instructive model. In just five years, the country has expanded its LNG truck fleet almost threefold, with over a million LNG trucks on the road as of 2025. Today, nearly 25% of new heavy trucks sold in China run on alternative fuels such as natural gas and electric power — up from just 6% in 2018. This shift has contributed meaningfully to improved air quality and reduced emissions. India must act now. Global ESG mandates are tightening, and companies across sectors are being asked to reduce the carbon footprint of their supply chains. Green logistics is no longer a 'good-to-have' — it's fast becoming a business imperative. The road to Viksit Bharat cannot run on diesel alone. It must be future-ready, low-carbon, and commercially sustainable. LNG offers the clearest path to begin that transition today. With the right policy signals, industry collaboration, and ecosystem investment, LNG can emerge as the dominant fuel for long-haul freight by the end of this decade. This transition will not happen overnight, but the alignment of climate goals, clean technology, and economic incentives presents a rare and powerful opportunity. LNG may not be the final stop, but it is the bridge we must build now — one that can carry India's transport and logistics sector toward a cleaner, more resilient future. Because the journey to a developed India must also be a journey to a greener India. This article is authored by Anand Mimani, CEO, GreenLine.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
EU's von der Leyen: 15% the 'best we could get'
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen defended the trade deal clinched with United States on Sunday as "the best we could get." A 15% baseline tariff will now apply to all EU exports to the US, with the union agreeing to buy up $750bn worth of US energy and to invest $600bn into the US economy in the years ahead. The deal prevents a massive trade war between the US and the EU. Asked if she considered 15% a good deal for European carmakers, von der Leyen told reporters: "15% is not to be underestimated, but it is the best we could get." The EU committed to purchasing $750 billion worth US Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and nuclear fuel over three years. "We still have too much Russian LNG that is coming through the back door," she said. The European Commission has proposed phasing out all Russian gas imports by January 2028. "Today's deal creates certainty in uncertain times, delivers stability and predictability," von der Leyen told reporters before leaving Scotland. Government sources, while welcoming the deal, were cautious and said they would need to see the finer details of the agreement. One senior source said 'nobody was jumping with joy' over the deal due to baseline tariffs, but that it did provide certainty to businesses. Read More Trade war averted as Government cautiously welcomes EU-US deal
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Campaigners rally at Cork City Hall in protest against LNG terminals
Climate activists, local councillors, and concerned residents gathered outside Cork City Hall this week to protest against potential plans for liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the region. Organised by the environmental group Not Here Not Anywhere (NHNA), the demonstration featured banners reading 'No LNG Terminals' and chants of 'Flooded Lee, rising seas, we say no to LNG.' Campaigners warned that the Government's reversal of a ban on fracked gas imports earlier this year has opened the door to new fossil fuel projects along Ireland's coast — including the Port of Cork. The protest supports a motion submitted to Cork City Council by Green Party Councillor Oliver Moran, which calls on the Council to oppose any LNG infrastructure and instead prioritise large-scale renewable energy. The motion is due to be debated in September by the Council's Environment, Water & Amenities Strategic Policy Committee. It states: 'That, as a Mission City to be climate neutral by 2030, Cork City Council is opposed to the development of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals, as new fossil fuel infrastructure, and will work to ensure no LNG terminals are developed in the Cork region; and shall focus its support on the development of large-scale renewable infrastructure for energy security instead.' "Cork City Council is a member of regional energy stakeholder groups and an EU Mission City to be climate neutral by 2030," said Mr Moran. "Cork's future is in renewables. It's why the Port of Cork is investing €100m in a deepwater berth dedicated to servicing offshore energy. "Offshore energy will bring jobs and energy security tied to Cork. LNG will bring neither of those." Niamh Guiry, an NHNA campaigner and PhD researcher, added: "The people of Cork have made it repeatedly clear, we do not want and cannot afford any new fossil fuel infrastructure in the midst of a widespread and devastating climate crisis. "We are at a pivotal point in history. Now is the time for radical action and political bravery." She urged Cork City Council to pass the motion in September, calling it a critical signal to Government that the fossil fuel era must come to an end. Campaigners argue that LNG terminals would lock Ireland into high-carbon energy for decades, risking failure to meet 2030 climate targets and potential EU fines of up to €26bn. A recent EPA report also identified 115 climate-related risks to Ireland, with Cork seen as particularly exposed. They also pointed to a landmark advisory opinion issued last week by the International Court of Justice, which found that states may breach international law by supporting fossil fuel development or subsidies. 'It's unthinkable that Ireland could be locked into fossil fuel infrastructure and dependency for years to come," Ms Guiry added. "Passing anti-LNG motions that champion a just transition and the development of widespread renewable energy infrastructure like the one before Cork City Council is hugely important."
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
'Largest trade deal in history': Trump announces ‘massive' trade agreement with Japan - The Economic Times Video
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States will make a deal with Japan on LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). While speaking at an event at the White House, Trump added that Japan will form a joint venture with the U.S. for LNG in Alaska. U.S. President Donald Trump added that representatives from the European Union are coming for trade negotiations with the United States on Wednesday (July 23). "We have Europe coming in tomorrow, and the next day, we have some other ones coming in," Trump said after announcing a trade deal with Japan.
Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Leitrim activists join rally at the Dáil against LNG terminal plans
Climate activists from the Stop Shannon LNG Coalition including Love Leitrim, Extinction Rebellion, Slí Eile, and other groups gathered outside the Dáil to express concern that the government is planning Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure in Ireland. The activists strongly oppose such infrastructure because of its negative impact on the climate, public health, and the cost of living. The activists are concerned that when gas is fracked, not all of it is captured, so some of it escapes into the atmosphere, further contributing to climate change. The activists held a 14 metre-wide banner reading 'STOP SHANNON LNG,' referring to a proposed LNG terminal. Leitrim County Councillor Eddie Mitchell from Love Leitrim said the global warming impact of importing fracked gas into Ireland outweighs all our efforts to reduce our annual emissions. 'After acknowledging in 2021 that a LNG terminal would inevitably import fracked gas, the government is now walking away from its obligations to mitigate climate change by reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. "While the government struggles and fails to reduce emissions by a target of 8% a year, even just considering fracked gas imports associated with boil off would incur 3.75% of Ireland's total emissions if we were only to use the LNG terminal as a storage unit. "Those are the emissions associated with spending €900 million on a terminal that won't be used. In the real world the emissions will be so much greater,' said Mr Mitchell. According to the campaigners, since late 2023, the government has planned to support LNG import infrastructure and in March this year, that plan was updated to explicitly allow the import of fracked gas. New Fortress Energy is seeking to build their LNG terminal and 600MW gas power plant at Ballylongford in county Kerry, on the Shannon Estuary. The power plant has already received planning permission, and An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bord Pleanála) is currently reviewing the reactivated planning application for the LNG terminal. In June, An Comisiún Pleanála asked the government to clarify its position on privately owned LNG terminals. The government has not yet clarified its position. Mr Mitchell called on the Minister Darragh O'Brien to clarify policy before August 7. "He must reinstate the ban on all LNG terminals so that planning permission can be refused again, or acknowledge that continuing down the road of facilitating fracked gas requires us to admit failure on environmental policy. "All of us from Leitrim, Fermanagh, Clare, Kerry and Limerick who live on shale gas basins will not allow our country to be a market for fracked US gas,' said Mr Mitchell. Labour Party Spokesperson on Rural and Community Development, the Gaeltacht and Worker's Rights, Senator Nessa Cosgrove reiterated her support for a number of community-based Environmental groups, including Love Leitrim, who oppose the introduction of Fracked Gas into the Irish energy mix. Senator Cosgrove said, 'LNG is a dirty, polluting fossil fuel, which is often extracted through the environmentally-damaging technique of fracking 'If the Government allows the current planning application for Shannon LNG to be granted it will blow a massive hole in Ireland's chances of meeting our legally-binding climate targets. 'The Government have claimed that they are interested only in a Government-led LNG storage facility for an emergency supply, not in commercial exploitation of this gas. 'If there is a shred of truth to this claim, there is no need to lift the moratorium on granting planning permission for privately-owned LNG Infrastructure. 'I am calling on Darragh O'Brien, as the Minister for Energy and Environment to reiterate that the Government's position is that no privately-owned LNG infrastructure is to be permitted within the State, so that An Bord Pleanalla can make the correct judgement, which remains to refuse planning permission for this unnecessary and harmful development,' said Senator Cosgrove.
