In Colombia, during the first half of 2014, there were a total of 9,691 conversions, which represents a growth of 17 %, compared to the 8,307 that were done on the same period the previous year. As of July this year, a record 482,312 conversions were accumulated in the country, of which 162,219 were in the capital city of Bogotá.
According to a press release issued by Gas Natural Fenosa (GNF) Colombia, Bogotá now has 34% of total conversions in the country, displaying at increased appreciation for the environmental, social and economic benefits of using gas in vehicles, states Rene Perea, GNF commercial director.
Compared to gasoline vehicles, natural gas vehicles emit less CO2 emissions and less greenhouse gases. For example 10,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) -powered 1,000 cc taxis Bogotá traveling 57,600 km per year, represents a decrease of 24,560 tons in CO2 emissions, i.e. a reduction of 17% compared to the emissions produced by gasoline. Also, there is a decrease of 4,838 tonnes of carbon monoxide (CO) emitted to the atmosphere per year – a reduction of 71%.
Colombia also has a widespread network of natural gas filling stations with more than 800 in all regions of the country, allowing drivers of natural gas vehicles to travel with refueling security. Service stations and refueling points are located in 43 cities and 30 municipalities, ensuring good coverage and access to coal in national geography. In Bogota and its hinterland (Cundinamarca and Boyacá) a network of 168 service stations supplies the growing demand for CNG vehicles, of which 65 stations have the Gas Natural Fenosa brand.
Currently, conversion to gas for a fifth-generation vehicle is subsidized by 55% by an alliance of supply chain companies, including Ecopetrol and GNF. This partnership provides a financial support of around $ 2.2 million pesos (approx USD 1,110) for conversion, leaving the consumer to pay $ 1.8 million pesos (USD 910), which can be financed through the consumer’s domestic natural gas bill with a term of up to 24 installments.
(Source: Gas Natural Fenosa)
