UAE | Environment
Abu Dhabi plans to embrace clean vehicle fuel
After five to six years, 20 per cent of government-owned vehicles and taxis will run on natural gas in Abu Dhabi, according to an Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) report.
- By Nissar Hoath, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 August 27, 2006
Abu Dhabi: After five to six years, 20 per cent of government-owned vehicles and taxis will run on natural gas in Abu Dhabi, according to an Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) report.
The report, which was published in the latest edition of the agency's quarterly magazine Al Dhabi, noted that significant improvements in Abu Dhabi's air quality can be expected, particularly in urban areas, if there is a move towards using clean fuel.
The report also identifies taxis, buses and government-owned vehicles, such as municipality and police cars, as the most polluting vehicles in the emirate. To address this problem and achieve sustainable transportation, EAD in coordination with government agencies and oil companies, has prepared a strategy with its implementation already under way.
As per the strategy, 20 per cent of government-owned vehicles and taxis in the emirate will be converted to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which EAD also calls Clean Natural Gas, by 2012. All government diesel vehicles will also be converted to run on Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel (ULSF) with at least Euro III emission limits or equivalent by 2012.
The measures under the strategy will include the introduction of CNG and the phased conversion of all vehicles to use ULSF.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has installed a CNG filling station on Mina Street to initiate the introduction of the new vehicle fuel.
"In January 2003, the UAE switched to unleaded petrol. More than 500 service stations converted to this cleaner and greener fuel, bringing major advantages, including improved fuel economy, reduced engine maintenance and lower emissions since it is catalyst-friendly. Studies show that vehicles equipped with catalytic converters achieve over 90 per cent reduction in exhaust emission," the report said.
TThe report said Adnoc has already prepared a timetable for the introduction of ULSF, which will achieve a target concentration of 10ppm (particles per million) sulphur in fuel by 2012. "Local regulations will be introduced to prohibit the import of diesel that does not comply with the specifications for low sulphur content," the report said.
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