Bolivia’s National Hydrocarbon Agency (ANH) has given the green light for commencement of its CNG conversion program in Cochabamba. Conversions, due to commence in about two weeks, will include replacing aged CNG cylinders that have been in service since Bolivia first moved to natural gas vehicles approximately 15 years ago, with new CNG cylinders on about 14,000 vehicles. In Santa Cruz, immediate emphasis is on converting diesel buses, for which the government has plans to endorse the purchase of 6,000 Chinese motors.
Four of the 4500 cc engines, reported by Eldeber.com to be similar to Toyota Coaster engines, will be imported in January 2010 for comprehensive testing, before final approval can be given.
The country reportedly has some 65,000 buses that require change, although progress will be dependent on available funds as conversions are being done without charge.
In the city of La Paz, 30 thousand engines require conversion, while between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba the number is estimated at about 45 thousand vehicles.
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