The General Directorate of Civil Defense in Abu Dhabi, represented by the Technical Affairs Section, transformed a number of its vehicles to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of gasoline.

This move comes in line with the directorate’s contractual obligation with Emirates Transport in a bid to achieve the strategic goal of ensuring that all administrative services are in accordance with the highest standards of quality, efficient and transparent, cost-effective, and reduce the use of natural resources.

Lt. Colonel Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Ansari, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense, said that transforming the vehicles to operate on CNG is based on the Civil Defense’s belief in its role to improve the environment by setting a good example through the use of alternative and environmentally friendly energy. He also added that it is an application of the Environment, Safety and Occupational Health strategy within the strategy of the Ministry of Interior to reduce the negative effects of various vehicles used by police forces and to promote safety.

“The decision to install the environmentally friendly CNG system for the vehicles of the directorate falls under the direction and strategy of the federal government to preserve the environment and reduce the carbon footprint of the UAE,” he said.  “The benefits of switching to CNG are plentiful. For one, the natural gas is easily stored in the specifically designed cylinders in various sizes to fit different vehicles. For two, natural gas is cleaner, and therefore extends the life of the spark plugs and the exhaust – as the gas does not affect the walls of the engine’s cylinders. And three, CNG does not contain any additives, which makes it free from pollution and compatible with our efforts to be environmentally friendly.”

Explaining further benefits of converting the vehicles to operate on natural gas, Lt. Col. Al Ansari said: “Natural gas is lighter than air, thus, in the event of a leak, the natural gas rises and dissipates, unlike gasoline.” He continued by describing how the gas cylinders are designed to be shock and fire-proof; engines that are operated by CNG rely on sophisticated and secure technology that derives the best results, and mirrors the best global practices in the field of technology transformation. “These conversions will save approximately 50% of the normal cost to operate these vehicles, which eases the financial burden on the government.”

It is noteworthy that using natural gas in vehicles is considered one of the most efficient alternative fuels instead of gasoline, as it provides tangible savings in usage (approximately 30%-50%). CNG provides many technical and environmental features, which contributes to the reduction of pollution and reduces the number of times a vehicle will require maintenance, thus increasing the life of the vehicle. Natural gas is considered eco-friendly, as its carbon emissions are 60% less than petrol. 

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