MOE launches CNG hybrid bus project in Seoul

South Korea’s Ministry of Environment (MOE) will begin a project to distribute CNG hybrid buses in Seoul, to help reduce air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Framework Act on Low Carbon Green Growth, the ministry set the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020. As the combination of engine, electric battery, motor and electronic control unit delivers optimum power, CNG hybrid buses can minimize fuel consumption. Therefore, their fuel efficiency is significantly improved and exhaust gases and greenhouse gases can be reduced by more than 24%, compared with existing natural gas buses. South Korea produces main parts of the CNG hybrid buses, including electric motors and batteries. Backed by government subsidies, 30 CNG hybrid buses will replace Seoul’s natural gas buses.The ministry plans to eventually replace all intra-city buses with CNG hybrid buses. (February 10, 2011)