Andres Lamas, director of Derivatives Trade and Natural Gas Distribution at the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) of Bolivia reported that Supreme Decree 4029, which amends and complements the Supreme Decree 27956 on the regulation of the construction and operation of CNG filling stations, was approved on July 2.
With the new rule, the minimum area required for the construction of a fueling site is 500 m2, 200 less than what was required before. Besides, the regulation states that loading and traffic lanes, as well as pumps and dispensers, may not be installed in underground premises, or under any type of building.
Regarding the upgrade or adoption of new certified technologies as storage systems, more compact state-of-the-art compressors, which involve less mechanical installations or factory-built NGVs, the ANH should approve its operation through an Administrative Order.
Lamas said the regulatory agency and the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy worked together on the adjustment in order to encourage public and private investment in the construction of CNG stations.
The 26 projects that are being evaluated by the technicians from the ANH would be located in the city of La Paz, since there are only six CNG stations in service there, insufficient for the existing demand. He also noted that two constructions had been authorized, one in Següencoma area, La Paz, and another in Beijín Avenue, in the city of Cochabamba.
Nationwide, there are currently 233 natural gas fueling stations in operation. Furthermore, they are 28 new sites under construction: 15 in the department of Santa Cruz, three in La Paz, six in Cochabamba, two in Oruro and two in Tarija.
Source: National Hydrocarbons Agency.
