CNG conversion centres as driver for cleaner energy transition

The removal of fuel subsidy and the global call for cleaner energy owing to the growing concern over the impacts of climate change has necessitated the adoption of sustainable alternative fuel sources, especially in the transportation sector – a major source of global carbon emissions. There are growing moves to embrace the trend in Nigeria with the emergence of compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion centres becoming the vehicles of the revolution, ADAKU ONYENUCHEYA writes.

When President Bola Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy last year, a potential gain was that it would improve Nigeria’s climate change response by reducing the amount of carbon emissions released into the environment via fossil fuel consumption.

The quest for a sustainable energy alternative led to the adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cleaner and more affordable substitute for fossil fuels.

Following the emergence, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) was introduced to pilot the process. The initiative berthed the rollout of CNG vehicle conversion centres last year.

The installation of CNG conversion centres heralds a new era in Nigeria’s transportation sector, allowing vehicle owners to adapt to the cleaner and more cost-effective fuel source while accelerating a set of personal, economic, and environmental benefits most needed to reverse the impacts of climate change.

Installing CNG conversion centres
CNG conversion centres have been installed in Lagos, Ogun, Rivers and Kaduna states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to facilitate accessible alternative energy sources across the country. The centres, starting from Lagos, were commissioned in quick succession.

This development represents a fulfillment of the federal government’s commitment to facilitating alternate energy sources and the beginning of a widespread transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Since its inauguration in the wake of the complete deregulation of the petroleum products market, the PCNGi has emerged as a beacon of hope in the energy landscape.

With the provision of affordable and sustainable energy sources in the wake of the shockwaves occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal as its overriding motivation, the body set about its mission of exploring and making accessible alternative fuel sources.

Project Director and CEO of PCNGi, Micheal Oluwagbemi, referred to the opening of the first CNG conversion centre at the FEMADEC Energy Group station in Lagos as a noteworthy milestone that would usher in a new future for Nigeria.

Impacts of CNG on transportation, environment
The opening of the CNG conversion centre in Lagos marked a significant step towards a more sustainable and affordable transportation system for the country.

The continued support from the government and the sustained commitment of PCNGi, private sector partners and the public, is a resounding transition to a cleaner and more prosperous future for the country, Oluwagbemi said.
He noted that the flexible project would ensure that the conversion to CNG would allow vehicle owners to run on natural gas and petrol concurrently.

According to him, the centre, as an innovative solution, ensures that drivers can switch between two fuel sources and control their transportation costs effectively while mitigating the impacts of fuel price fluctuations.

“This flexibility and diversification of fuel sources will ultimately enhance energy security for Lagosians by facilitating a reduction of the dependency on imported petroleum products and its attendant traumatic global market fluctuations.

“With more vehicles transitioning to CNG in the near future, there will be reduced demand for petrol and diesel, which will alleviate the agony of fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations during fuel crisis,” he stated.

The key appeal of the CNG conversion is the efficiency and speed with which it operates. Vehicle owners could bring their vehicles to the centres and have them converted in just eight hours.

This quick turnaround is a major benefit as it minimises the inconvenience caused to the vehicle owners.
Oluwagbemi said the feat meant that individuals would not have to leave their vehicles at the centres for an extended period and could return to their daily routines in a relatively short time.

However, the most telling benefit of the CNG transition is the cost savings it avails vehicle owners as CNG is significantly cheaper than traditional petrol.

According to the PCNGi estimates, a litre of CNG would be sold between N320 and N350, while PMS is currently retailed at about N568 and N650 per litre.

This means that CNG is about twice cheap as PMS and even more valuable when compared to diesel. For the individual, this translates to less cost of commuting. For transporters, it means more profit.
The lighter and cleaner-burning character of CNG also makes it a safer fuel option.

Oluwagbemi explained that as a cleaner fuel option, CNG produces fewer harmful emissions than traditional gasoline and diesel and the conversion process typically involves engine component enhancements.

He said this would ensure that little or no contaminant is released into the engine oil, thereby protecting vehicle engines and enhancing the longevity and efficiency of vehicles. That means lower maintenance costs for vehicle owners.

Oluwagbemi said the CNG could play a pivotal role in reducing air pollution in Lagos and align with global efforts to combat climate change and create a more sustainable urban environment.

According to him, establishing the FEMADAC CNG conversion centres has introduced an innovative service and created job opportunities for skilled technicians and support staff.

“The localised economic growth contributes to the overall development of the community as it is expected to stimulate a vibrant economy across the value chain,” he stated.

Challenges to address
While the CNG conversion centres offer numerous benefits to Nigerians, some challenges must be addressed for a seamless transition to CNG-powered vehicles.

Chief of these challenges is the initial cost of conversion, which many may find quite prohibitive.

Based on available data published by HydroCIS, the necessary kit for converting a vehicle from a gasoline or diesel engine to a CNG engine typically falls within the range of N300,000 to N400,000, with the exact expense dependent on a vehicle’s specific characteristics and condition.

However, it is essential to note that the long-term cost savings in terms of reduced fuel expenses offset the initial investment in a very short time.

Also, the success of CNG as a viable fuel source relies heavily on the expansion of refuelling infrastructure.

Lagos and other states therefore need a well-developed network of CNG refuelling stations to support the growing number of converted vehicles. This requires strategic planning and investment.