Faced with rising fuel costs and growing concerns about air quality, several African governments are increasingly turning to compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cleaner and more affordable alternative to traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles.
While the global push towards electric vehicles (EVs) gains momentum, many African nations are finding that CNG offers a more pragmatic and accessible solution for reducing transport emissions in the short term.
CNG is natural gas that has been compressed to less than 1% of its volume, making it easier to store and transport.
When used as a vehicle fuel, CNGproduces fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases compared to gasoline or diesel.
This makes it an attractive option for countries seeking to improve air quality and reduce their carbon footprint.
Nigeria, with its abundant natural gas reserves, has emerged as a leader in promoting CNG adoption.
The government has launched a Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) to ease the burden of fuel subsidy removal and provide a cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel.
In some states, commercial drivers receive free CNG conversions, while ride-share vehicles are offered a 50-percent discount.
The state-owned oil company has also commissioned dozens of CNG stations in major cities, with plans for further expansion.
Egypt is another frontrunner, boasting over 260,000 CNG-powered vehicles thanks to its Clean Fuels Initiative launched in 1995.
The government continues to expand its CNG infrastructure, adding refueling stations across the country. Tanzania is also making strides, with plans for a $65 million project to power thousands of vehicles and households with CNG.
The shift towards CNG is driven by several factors. First, CNG is often cheaper than petrol, providing significant cost savings for drivers.
Second, CNG vehicles produce fewer emissions, contributing to cleaner air in urban areas. Third, CNG can enhance energy security by utilizing locally sourced natural gas reserves, reducing dependence on imported oil.
However, the adoption of CNG is not without its critics. Some argue that it is a short-sighted solution that locks Africa into using a climate-polluting fossil fuel.
They contend that CNG is not a truly green alternative and that resources should be focused on transitioning directly to EVs.
Despite the environmental concerns, the widespread adoption of EVs in Africa faces significant challenges. The high cost of EVs, coupled with limited charging infrastructure and unreliable electricity grids, makes them inaccessible to most consumers.
While CNG gains traction, it is important to note that the long-term goal remains a transition to sustainable transportation solutions.
Some argue that African nations should negotiate technology transfer agreements with wealthier countries to facilitate the production of affordable EVs and charging infrastructure.
They also suggest incentivizing private sector investment in battery production and EV manufacturing through tax breaks and other financial support.
Ultimately, the path to sustainable transportation in Africa will likely involve a combination of strategies, with CNG serving as a bridge to a future powered by clean, renewable energy. As technology advances and costs decrease, EVs will become increasingly viable.
In the meantime, CNG offers a practical and affordable way to reduce emissions and improve air quality while laying the foundation for a more sustainable transportation sector in the years to come. The African market for CNG and LPG vehicles is projected to grow in the coming years.
