Joburg’s Executive Mayor Parks Tau delivered a speech in Soweto, where he strengthened his commitment towards a natural gas-powered mass transit and stated that the eco-friendly buses introduced a few months ago are delivering 90% less carbon emissions. “We are a city at work to remake itself and shape its future, as a sustainable, livable and resilient city – a city that cares for its people and their future,” said the official. His 2014 State of the City Address included the following NGV-related highlights:
“During the C40 Conference this year, we launched our first two Metrobuses which are powered by dual fuel – CNG and diesel. In the next financial year Metrobus will be converting 30 more buses as well as purchasing 150 new buses which will be using dual fuel. The adjudication of these buses is being finalized as we speak and local manufacture will be maximized.
There are significant advantages to the City of using dual fuel buses. Not only are they cleaner – our first two buses are emitting 90% less carbon emissions than a diesel bus – but the fuel source, biogas, can be sourced from waste including grass from city parks, biowaste from the Fresh Produce Market and bio crops especially grown for this purpose.
We are thus working on a biogas value chain which can see significant jobs and entrepreneurial activity being generated in the agricultural and waste sectors. Further jobs can be generated and innovation can be spurred in the local manufacture of biodigesters which produce biogas.
These efforts will also extend to other public and private transport. This will allow all Joburg residents to use these locally produced energy sources to power their vehicles enabling them to pay less for fuel or public transport. Our collective efforts will contribute both to job creation and a reduction in carbon emissions.”
In this positive and promising scenario, NGV2014 South Africa Conference & Exhibition on November 17-20 will take place at Sandton Convention Center, precisely in Johannesburg. For further information on the event, please visit its official website.
Source: City of Johannesburg
