In terms of carbon emissions, how does CNG compare to coal?

The comparison of carbon emissions between compressed natural gas (CNG) and coal is an important aspect of evaluating the environmental impact of different energy sources. CNG is composed primarily of methane, which, when combusted, produces less carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of energy compared to coal. Specifically, CNG emits about 30% less CO2 than coal when the energy output is compared on the basis of combustion.

This lower emission rate is attributed to the efficient combustion characteristics of natural gas. Methane burns more completely and at a higher efficiency than coal, resulting in fewer greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere per unit of energy produced. This makes CNG a more attractive option for reducing overall carbon footprints in energy generation and transportation.

While some nuances exist in specific scenarios (such as variations in combustion efficiency and technology), the general consensus is that CNG is a cleaner fuel choice compared to coal from a carbon emissions perspective. Therefore, it is accurate to say that CNG emits significantly less carbon dioxide than coal.