Green Gas, the joint venture between Nipco and Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), plans to develop and install 35 CNG stations across the country before the end of 2015. The project involves an investment of over N17 billion (more than US$ 100 million). This collaboration has already built seven filling stations, while 10 additional sites have reached advanced stages of construction, reported National Mirror.
The Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is encouraging an “NGV revolution,” which has culminated in the conversion of over 1,500 vehicles to CNG at three workshops. NGVs are expected to increase to over 25,000 next year when ongoing projects are completed. Some multinationals, including the Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, are among those that have converted fleet trucks from diesel to gas.
According to Nipco’s Managing Director Venkataraman Venkatapathy, “CNG has become increasingly popular and a preferred alternative to gasoline and diesel” because it is colorless, odorless, more economic and reduces operation and maintenance costs. In addition, this new industry boosts additional employment opportunities and cuts carbon emissions leading to improved air quality.
“The cost of conversion and availability of gas are some of the major challenges on this scheme, but concerted efforts are on under the joint venture arrangement to further appeal to the Federal Government to look into these areas,” he said. “On our part, subtle campaigns are ongoing to convince drivers of the inherent benefits in using CNG over other conventional fuels and the fact that the more you travel on it, the faster the recovery period on expenses incurred on installing the kits.”
In this positive scenario for the entire continent, 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.
