The reduction of carbon dioxide and other pollutant emissions contributes to improving air quality, benefiting public health and the environment. The use of natural gas also helps to preserve the country's natural resources.
This is the mindset behind the creation of Autogas, a Mozambican public-private partnership company dedicated to the distribution and sale of natural gas for vehicles. The idea is to reduce the use of conventional fuels by promoting cleaner and more efficient alternatives.
Currently, Autogas operates six CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fueling stations in the province and city of Maputo. With more than four thousand gas-powered vehicles, including buses from the municipalities of Maputo, Matola, and Marracuene, the company provides over 50 direct jobs and more than 120 indirect jobs.
In addition to the fueling stations, Autogas has four vehicle conversion centers in a strategic partnership with the Egyptian TAQ. The benefits of using natural gas in vehicles are vast: it is more economical, environmentally friendly, and safe.
Natural gas burns completely, contributing to energy diversity and providing independence from traditional petroleum fuels. Moreover, it is safer than liquid fuels due to its physical characteristics and the fact that it does not pollute the environment. It is estimated that around 26 million vehicles worldwide use natural gas.
IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The Executive Director of Autogas, João das Neves, explains that the use of natural gas also helps to preserve the country's natural resources. Therefore, the company is paving the way for a more sustainable future in Mozambique by driving green policies and promoting the use of this type of fuel as a viable and efficient alternative to traditional fuels.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Although the benefits of using natural gas are clear, the transition to this alternative energy source is not without its challenges. Expanding the CNG infrastructure requires significant investments and effective cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Autogas provides training and certification to conversion technicians, ensuring that the technology used is cutting-edge, safe, and efficient. The company's dream is to establish 70 well-located fueling stations across the country, staffed by highly specialized technicians.
Among its future projects, the company plans to build a fueling station along the N4 corridors to serve truck fleets that supply the Port of Maputo. Other strategic local plans include stations along the N1 in Xai-Xai and Maxixe, significantly expanding the CNG fueling network.
Autogas's initiative not only directly benefits vehicle users but also represents a significant step forward for Mozambique in terms of sustainability and energy independence. By promoting the use of natural gas, the company contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthens the local economy.
(By Rafael Langa)
