During the Automotive Meeting organized by the Automotive Association of Peru (AAP), participants discussed, among other things, how to speed up the process of widespread adoption of natural gas in the country and ensure that natural gas for vehicles expands to new regions, allowing to boost the economic reactivation of all of Peru.
“As we well know, petroleum, the fuel that we mostly import, continues to have an important participation in the Peruvian energy matrix. However, since 2004 natural gas has also been part of it and has allowed us to boost our economy,” explained Eduardo Guevara, a partner at CMS Grau, during his presentation at the academic session of the AAP Automotive Meeting.
The expert pointed out that in order to achieve successful widespread growth of NGVs, the State must provide more support. However, he highlighted some efforts that are being made to promote the use of gas in mobility. “A CNG refueling control system has been implemented, allowing to guarantee its safety in the operation,” he said.
Along the same lines, Guevara indicated that according to the Social Energy Inclusion Fund (FISE), there are currently more than 350,000 vehicles (cars, buses, trucks, taxis) using natural gas and 344 CNG service stations. However, he said, more promotion is needed; thus, more Peruvians will be able to receive the benefits of this clean fuel.
Due to the increase in the price of petroleum in recent times, “in 2022 the record number of more than 64,000 vehicle conversions to CNG was reached (according to official information as of October 2022). However, only in eight regions of the country (Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Ancash, Lima, Junín, Ica and Cusco) we have CNG stations,” he commented.
The specialist recalled that in Peru there is an important reserve of natural gas (such as the Camisea fields), both in production and consumption, which can supply the country for 30 years. “And, therefore, he said, today we have the imperative need to accelerate mass growth throughout the national territory,” he specified.
Guevara maintained that there is a market to be developed, which is why a greater impulse from the State and a commitment from the private sector are required. Only with the coordinated effort between both will it be possible to promote the use of NGVs and reduce dependence on imported fuels and with volatile prices. But most importantly, it will be possible to “bring natural gas for vehicles to regions such as Ucayali, Ayacucho, Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna and thus promoting the economic reactivation of the entire country,” he concluded.
In this very promising scenario in terms of the growing adoption of natural gas, AltFuels Peru 2023 will be held from April 19 to 22, at Villa Complejo Ferial, in the city of Lima. The event will include conferences led by more than 70 speakers, experts in natural gas, alternative fuels and sustainable mobility, as well as an exhibition with more than 120 companies that will exhibit their latest generation products and services, including vehicles, engines, refueling equipment, components and conversion systems, among others. For more information, please contact info@altfuelscg.com.
Source: AAP
