Every Alternative.

Hydrogen-Enriched CNG.

What is Hydrogen-Enriched Compressed Natural Gas (HCNG)?

A Sunline Transit Agency SunBus refueling with HCNGHCNG is a blend of natural gas and hydrogen. Tests show that a blend of approximately 20% hydrogen and 80% CNG by volume can reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by 30 to 50% without affecting the performance and efficiency of a natural gas engine.
In 2003, Cummins Westport worked with Westport Innovations and SunLine Transit Agency of California to test and develop this new and exciting demonstration technology. A Cummins Westport B Gas Plus engine was re-calibrated for 20% H2, 80% CNG without fuel economy or performance trade-off.

There are many benefits to studying and developing the HCNG technology:
  • existing CNG fueling facilities can be used to develop the hydrogen infrastructure and related codes and standards for light-duty vehicles.
  • natural gas and HCNG come from predominantly domestic supplies thereby lessening dependence on imported oil in the high fuel use (heavy-duty) applications.
  • natural gas and hydrogen blended fuels provides excellent emissions benefits today and pave the road for the use of hydrogen vehicles in the future.