Adnoc Distribution has embarked on a new project for the use of natural gas as fuel.
The project, which enjoys the full support of the Civil Defence and Traffic Departments, will make it incumbent for taxis to replace gasoline with natural gas, which is friendlier to the environment.

At the initial stage, 48 cars and trucks will be put on trial, after which the experience will encompass all public transport vehicles.

The launch was made during a reception held by Adnoc Distribution General Manager Jamal Al Dharif, in honour of journalists who have been cooperating with the company in covering its activities and events throughout the year 2002.

Dharif said that the move to introduce the Natural Gas Vehicle Pilot Project was in line with the directives of the President His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Initially natural gas will be used as fuel in taxis, then will be generalised among other public transportation vehicles such as buses, trucks etc.

Work on this project will be completed by the end of 2003 and will start by converting 48 taxis and one truck using Natural Gas as an alternative to gasoline.
The necessary Natural Gas filling station will be installed at Al Mina filling station as a first trial phase, safe underground pipeline system will be delivered to the station and efficient staff will monitor the system.

Future plans include the use of Natural Gas for all taxis in Abu Dhabi, A1 Ain and other areas. Taxis were chosen because they don't leave the urban environment, have high fuel consumption, and have the most environmental pollution impact.

Natural Gas vehicle conversion equipment for the taxis is already available. Conversion includes safe fuel storage cylinders, ignition and regulators control, and stainless fuel lines. Natural Gas has cleaner results in quieter engines. It also reduces engine wear, extended service intervals sand maintenance cost reduced by up to 40 per cent, and has an octane rating of 130. Considerable additional performance is provided in dedicated Natural Gas engines with their increased 15:1 compression ratio.

Typical small conversion shop can convert 2 to 3 light vehicles per day. The conversion for light vehicles is cheaper and ranges between $1200 to $1500. Natural Gas for vehicles will be sold at approximately 50 per cent less than before.

Natural Gas filling stations can provide service of the same means used for gasoline filling; in addition to the overnight slow filling for buses and trucks, and the potential filling of vehicles overnight from any future domestic Natural Gas supplies.

Natural Gas will enable vehicles to travel 160 to 260 km, depending on type of vehicle.
As the Natural Gas is used up, the fuel can be immediately transferred to petrol by the flick of a switch.

It's worth mentioning that over 2 million vehicles in 40 countries are currently using Natural Gas and the European countries target is 20 million in the next 10 years approximately.
In addition to cheaper price, using NG has an effective impact on reducing environmental pollution, which makes it environment-friendly. It has also been certified by the American and international emission standards.

Engines using Natural Gas have many privileges with regard to safety, as strength of steel Natural Gas fuel tank is considerably higher than petrol tanks, the tank withstands all impact tests prescribed by the Canadian and American standards, and it will not explode in normal accidents.

Also injury rate per vehicle is 35 per cent lower than the rate of other vehicle using different types of fuels. In addition, NG is lighter than air, and does not puddle as gasoline. No death accidents have been reported.

Also NG underground pipelines are safer than petrol pipelines or petrol tankers, and require less maintenance intervals.