Online Content

  • Ballardin, Giorgio, "Environmental Benefits and Economic Rationale of Expanding the Italian Natural Gas Private Car Fleet"

    Type:
    Document
    Date Created:
    2005 July 17-2005 July 21
    Collection:
    System Dynamic Society Records
    Collecting Area:
    University Archives
    Collection ID:
    ua435
    Parent Record(s):
    23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, 3c582e6f5cf305ef0030c7471b499022, and cc5bb0ac12a5b68b26b1583548898dae
    Description:
    Natural gas for automotive purposes is an appealing alternative: curbing local and global pollution and dependence on foreign oil are among the most remarkable advantages. The other side of the coin implies building and maintaining an on purpose network entailing financial requirements. The final aim of this work is to compare its advantages with economic rationale. A system dynamics model is built and taken as reference for all quantitative assertions. It contains data referring to two scenarios: business as usual versus expansion. The model treats separately global and local emissions and infrastructure needs. Quantitative results are the basis for the final assessment, that is grounded on the externalities’ theory. By analyzing the scenarios’ gap numerous remarks follow. Regarding global emissions, beneficial effects seem modest. Local emissions would either decrease or not vary depending on the pollutant. Avoided externalities estimates exceed infrastructure financial requirements. Natural gas is a suitable answer in tackling some issues related to the road transport industry.