Virtual Pipelines Enable Critical Connections

NGVAmerica Members Providing Emergency Access to Gas Supplies

Washington, D.C. – In the aftermath of severe weather that upended energy grids across the country, NGVAmerica today released its new Virtual Pipeline Fact Sheet. The report details just how virtual pipelines play an important part in our nation’s energy economy, resiliency, and emergency preparedness by expanding access to natural gas and increasing its reach into areas underserved by conventional fixed pipelines.

“Virtual pipelines enable critical connections safely and reliably by linking off-network renewable natural gas (RNG) production sites to end use applications, improving energy system resiliency, and providing emergency energy service,” said NGVAmerica President Dan Gage. “Further, the use of virtual pipelines, otherwise known as mobile pipelines® or off-system portable delivery, reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and creates jobs.”

Over 225 million gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) of compressed natural gas (CNG) and close to 180 million GGEs of liquefied natural gas (LNG) were transported via virtual pipelines in 2019. This is equivalent to 99,000 truckloads of CNG and LNG hauled annually.

Further, the total volume of natural gas transported via virtual pipeline each year – equal to over 405 million gallons of gasoline – displaces carbon-intensive energy sources like diesel fuel, fuel oil, propane, and the existing electricity grid. This displacement results in eliminating an average 3.6 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) annually from the atmosphere. That’s equal to the total energy used by 377,746 U.S. homes in one year.

NGVAmerica’s report details how virtual pipelines diversify low carbon energy delivery, ensure uninterrupted energy supply, and support safe gas system upgrades. The Fact Sheet is a product of NGVAmerica’s Virtual Pipeline Working Group and is available for immediate download at: https://ngvam.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/NGVA-Virtual-Pipeline-Fact-Sheet-2.24.21.pdf.

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NGVAmerica is a national organization of roughly 200 companies and organizations dedicated to the development of a growing, profitable, and sustainable market for vehicles, ships and carriers powered by natural gas or biomethane. NGVAmerica member companies produce, distribute, and market natural gas and biomethane across North America, manufacture and service natural gas vehicles, engines, and equipment, and operate fleets powered by clean-burning gaseous fuels. Find out more at: www.ngvamerica.org.