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Volume 4, Issue 2, 2025
Open Access
Review article
Liquefied Natural Gas as a Sustainable Energy Carrier for Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Potential, Challenges, and Policy Implications
rit prasad dhar ,
evaan b baxi ,
debjyoti bandyopadhyay ,
prasanna s sutar ,
shailesh b sonawane ,
sandeep rairikar ,
sukrut s thipse
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Available online: 05-15-2025

Abstract

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The ongoing depletion of conventional fossil fuel reserves, coupled with escalating environmental concerns and the volatility of global oil markets, has intensified the search for cleaner and more sustainable energy alternatives for transportation. Among various low-emission fuels—such as biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)—Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has emerged as a particularly viable option for Medium- and Heavy- Duty Vehicles (M&HDVs). LNG offers several advantages, including higher volumetric energy density, reduced tailpipe emissions, and compatibility with high-efficiency engine technologies. Its adoption is of strategic relevance to countries such as India, where transportation remains one of the largest contributors to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and is predominantly dependent on imported crude oil. The utilisation of LNG in M&HDVs has been identified as a means to simultaneously reduce GHG emissions and enhance national energy security. In this context, a comprehensive assessment is presented, encompassing LNG production pathways, distribution logistics, cryogenic storage technologies, and economic feasibility, as well as supportive government policies and international best practices. Key challenges, such as Boil-off gas (BOG) management, refuelling infrastructure gaps, cost parity with diesel, and engine retrofitting, have also been critically evaluated. Particular attention has been given to recent technological advancements and their potential to improve lifecycle emissions performance and cost-effectiveness. It is suggested that the integration of LNG into national energy and transportation strategies may yield substantial environmental and economic benefits, especially when supported by policy instruments, public–private investment models, and standardised regulatory frameworks. The findings indicate that LNG is poised to play a pivotal role in the decarbonisation of the freight and commercial transport sector, both in India and globally, thereby contributing to long-term sustainability objectives.

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This paper critically examines the possibilities of combining pergolas and V. Coignetiae as energy-efficient, bioclimatic, green architecture and passive solar systems in the single-family building located in a moderate continental climate zone, i.e. Kragujevac (Serbia). More precisely, the impact of facade wall (without transparent elements) orientation with and without the mentioned measures (elements) on the electricity consumption for space cooling from 1 April to 31 October is investigated. The initial building model was developed using Google SketchUp software and following the Serbian Rulebook on Energy Efficiency for New Buildings. The thermo-technical systems and occupancy were simulated with EnergyPlus software. Based on the simulations conducted and the results obtained, the following main conclusions can be drawn: (1) Moderate continental climate is suitable for implementing the proposed concept; (2) Electricity consumption for space cooling, in the single-family building without energy-efficient, bioclimatic, green architecture and passive solar systems, is the highest when the facade wall (without transparent elements) is oriented to the North (827.25 kWh); and (3) Pergolas and adopted deciduous climber, placed in front of the facade wall (without transparent elements), reduce the electricity consumption for space cooling the most in the case of an Eastern orientation (363.7 kWh).

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The global rise in population and industrial activities has led to an increased reliance on petroleum-based fuels, resulting in significant environmental concerns, including the intensification of emissions and global warming. Concurrently, the agricultural and food processing sectors generate substantial amounts of organic waste, which, if inadequately managed, can contribute to environmental degradation. However, extensive research over recent decades has demonstrated that such organic waste can be converted into biofuels through appropriate treatment processes. In light of the growing need for sustainable energy solutions, global efforts have been increasingly focused on the exploration of renewable resources for power and electricity generation. This review aims to explore the potential role of agricultural and food wastes as feedstocks in the production of biofuels and chemical products, which can serve as substitutes for petroleum-based products. The review synthesises recent findings from multiple disciplines, including agriculture, food science, and energy, by analysing publications in leading academic databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. These studies focus on the global production of agricultural and food wastes, their energy potential, and their contributions to the energy transition, with particular emphasis on biofuels such as biomethane, biohydrogen, bioethanol, and jet biofuel. The findings indicate that the conversion of organic waste into biofuels offers a viable solution for reducing pollution, managing waste, and promoting a circular economy. Furthermore, it presents significant opportunities for advancing sustainable energy production. The review concludes by highlighting the key challenges and knowledge gaps that must be addressed in future research to maximise the potential of these waste-to-energy technologies.

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The techno-economic performance of a 10 MW floating photovoltaic (FPV) system on Lake Ranu Grati has been evaluated using HOMER Pro simulations, incorporating a representative medium-voltage load profile to assess feasibility under realistic operational conditions. The system is projected to generate approximately 15.35 GWh of electricity annually, with a capacity factor of 17.5%, demonstrating stable output under tropical irradiance patterns. The majority of the FPV-generated electricity is expected to supply local medium-voltage loads, while surplus energy will be exported to the national grid, resulting in a renewable energy share of approximately 80% throughout the year. Economic analysis indicates a Net Present Cost (NPC) of USD 12.9 million and a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of USD 0.053/kWh, both of which are competitive compared to the prevailing industrial electricity tariffs in Indonesia. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is calculated at 9.2%, with an estimated payback period of approximately 10 years. Environmentally, the FPV system is projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by around 11,000 tonnes per year, while simultaneously preserving land resources and enhancing the utilization of water surfaces. Overall, the Ranu Grati FPV project demonstrates strong technical performance, economic feasibility, and significant environmental benefits, making it a promising solution for Indonesia’s transition towards sustainable energy.

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