POWERGAS, ETEFA partner to drive CNG penetration in Nigeria

Powergas Nigeria, a domestic CNG distribution company, along with its strategic partners European Technologies for Africa (ETEFA), says they are committed to investing in the development of CNG as an alternate fuel for Mass-transit (Buses) and Haulage Sector (trucks) in the country.
The investment according to the companies will expand the use of the compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles across the country thereby reducing Green House Gas emissions, which is a major environmental pollution.
To commence on the Pilot Project of employing one City Bus and One Truck, the partners met with key stakeholders to introduce Clean and Environmentally Sustainable Transportation (CEST) programme.
This innovation is to provide Gas Engines for vehicles with CNG Solutions which will significantly reduce CO2 emissions on Nigerian roads, along with saving millions of Naira for the end-users.
Deepak Khilnani, chairman of Powergas Africa speaking at the reception of the CEST Programme hosted at the Austrian Commercial Counsel’s residence, said “The CEST project is a highly innovative project that will change the face of transportation in Nigeria. The gas is from a local source, much cleaner and much safer when compared to diesel or petrol. We are also calling on all stakeholders to join us as we make this technology transfer in utilization of Nigerian Natural Gas for transportation to happen in the next one year”
He said the CEST is achievable with having CNG filling stations in strategic places all over the country. These gas stations will allow buses and trucks access to CNG to re-fuel their vehicles with clean energy that is much cheaper when compared to diesel or petrol.
Johann Rieger, chief executive officer, ETEFA, an Austrian green tech company that focuses on efficient low cost gas engines said that “Although we have a long way to go because this is new, we are ready to go all the way in proffering frugal energy and transport solutions for Nigeria. Flared gas is a resource that is being wasted today. Tomorrow, this could be a huge potential which can be channelled into fuelling different types of vehicles like cars and public transport.”
Nella Hengstler, commercial counsellor, Austrian Embassy, said that with CEST Nigerians are going to save cost on fuel and transportation, and at the same time be sure that children will live in a cleaner and safer atmosphere.
Powergas believes in natural gas as a fuel that can be used to power a whole lot more at a much lower cost. Natural gas is a viable cleaner alternative fuel to PMS/AGO as it produces fewer emissions and the running cost of vehicles is around 30-40 per cent less”. He added.
Nigeria flares as much gas as it imports diesel and petrol, and with Powergas’ Flare Gas Recovery Project, this flared gas will be turned into fuel that can power NGV vehicles.
KELECHI EWUZIE