Imdaad is proud to be one of the first companies to switch heavy goods vehicles to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). This transition exemplifies the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability without compromising performance. Imdaad is working alongside Emirates Transport, which employs various sustainable vehicle management measures, including an innovative dry car wash technology that saves tens of millions of liters of water each year.

What is Compressed Natural Gas?

Compressed natural gas is natural gas stored under high pressure to take up less space. It’s similar in some ways to the well-known liquid petroleum gas but with three key differences:

1. CNG is made with methane rather than propane.

2. CNG is compressed in a way that keeps it as a gas rather than converting it to a liquid.

3. CNG is odorless, clear, and non-corrosive.

What are the Environmental Benefits?

Compressed natural gas offers significant environmental benefits both immediately and over the long term. It contains no sulfur, lead, or benzene and emits around 80% less carbon monoxide than traditional fuels. As it lacks heavy metals or particulates, it causes less residue damage, leading to longer-lasting vehicle pipes and tubes, which reduces the need for new materials and vehicles.

In the event of a leakage, compressed natural gas is less problematic due to its higher ignition point, making it less likely to pose a safety risk. It’s also lighter than air, dispersing quickly, unlike petrol or diesel which can run off and contaminate the ground or water sources. Additionally, compressed natural gas can reduce noise pollution as it allows vehicles to operate more quietly.

What are the Cost Benefits?

Compressed natural gas is more efficient to store in a vehicle, reducing loads or allowing for longer journeys without refueling. This efficiency facilitates more effective routing and logistics.

How Does Converting Large Vehicles Work?

While it’s possible to build specialist compressed natural gas engines from scratch, it’s more practical to convert existing vehicles using a dual-fuel approach. This involves keeping a diesel fuel system for starting the vehicle, then injecting compressed natural gas as the main fuel source once the vehicle is moving.

Although the dual fuel conversion process is well-established for lighter vehicles, it’s more complex for heavy vehicles such as refuse trucks. Emirates Transport and its specialist subsidiary, Al Etihad Centre, have pioneered groundbreaking modifications, converting over 14,000 vehicles to dual fuel. After years of development and trials, this is the first real-world modification for heavy goods vehicles.

Why is Imdaad Involved?

Imdaad prides itself on embracing technical innovation to operate more sustainably. The company focuses not only on what it does, such as its
FARZ MRF (Material Recovery Facility), but also on how it does it. Switching its fleet to dual fuel reduces Imdaad’s environmental impact, setting a precedent for others to follow. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s ongoing program of sustainable development, ensuring economic growth while conserving the region’s natural resources.