Bolivia’s agency for implementation of CNG conversions (la Entidad Ejecutora de Conversión a Gas Natural Vehicular (EEC-GNV)) has opened bids from competing agencies to supply compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion kits and cylinders to enable the conversion of 10,000 vehicles to CNG operation. For this process the government was keen to demonstrate transparency of process, by issuing the invitation to bid online from the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy website and subsequently opening bid envelopes in the presence of the executive secretary of the National Confederation of Drivers of Bolivia, Franklin Durán, the executive secretary of the Federation of Drivers of La Paz, Rene Vargas, national suppliers and representatives of the free transport.
The tender was divided into 11 tender processes with one extension. “We have taken this decision because we need a variety in both the technical characteristics of the cylinders and kits, to lead these conversion programs as normally and dynamically as possible, ” said Director General of EEC-GNV, Carlos Asport.
He explained that his organisation is working to buy a larger stock [of conversion kits and cylinders] and thereby give further impetus to change of the energy matrix being conducted by the government.
Under the government’s National Development Plan, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy is implementing strategic goals to expand the use of natural gas by changing the energy matrix and expanding the transport infrastructure of natural gas, both for domestic and foreign markets. It is carrying out programs to develop alternative transport and gas distribution, including the extension of pipeline transportation and storage of natural gas. EEC-GNV is part of the Ministry.
(This article primarily compiled using information from a Bolivian Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy press release)
