Q&A: Comgás aims to expand vehicle gas network

Sao Paulo state's natural gas supplier Comgás, Brazil's largest piped gas distributor, plans to expand its market share for vehicle natural gas (VNC) with the the aim of creating the company's second largest business by 2030. In this interview, edited for length and clarity, Comgas trading and VNG manager Guilherme Santana discusses the strategy for expanding gas distribution to large vehicles.

Does Comgás believe that the expansion of vehicle natural gas (VNG) will be a driver for the increase in demand for natural gas in Brazil in the coming years?

VNG is one of the segments that should have demand growth, mainly with the expansion of the fleet of gas trucks and buses. Currently, VNG is Comgás' third largest segment by volume, behind industrial and residential demand. Our expectation is that VNG will surpass the residential segment in volume by 2030.

The use of VNG in trucks and buses is already a solution for reducing polluting emissions using available technology and infrastructure. VNG is an excellent alternative for buses, whether urban or intercity, as it reduces local pollutants and particulate matter by approximately 90pc - which are the cause of respiratory diseases. Refueling for buses can be carried out in the garage, reducing fuel consumption by up to 40pc compared to diesel.

The fleet of gas trucks is still small, but its expansion depends on the existence of fueling stations prepared for trucks. Is Comgás prepared to deal with that?

In Comgás' concession area, there are 226 stations that distribute VNG, and of these, 78 can receive trucks, as they have adequate height and space for maneuvering. Today, there are two stations with high-flow nozzles that allow quick filling. The initial adjustments to the stations are relatively simple and are carried out by the station itself. Queries from the fueling stations about the adjustments to increase the speed of supply have been growing monthly since the first VNG trucks began to circulate.

How is the expansion plan for stations preparing for trucks? Which cities should be prioritized?

Our plan is based on studies in which we identify the main logistical corridors and consider the autonomy of gas vehicles to allow the truck to circulate on highways with available gas fueling stations. In São Paulo state, the main routes are already served by fueling stations, and we are also in contact with other gas distributors in neighboring states to enable interconnections between them. In this case, we are prioritizing service stations on highways to expand the supply of routes for trucks, helping to develop the market.

Does Comgás negotiate with logistics companies and/or freight contractors for the allocation of this technology?

We have a team that carries out studies to show the feasibility of the routes, including supporting the calculation of autonomy and operating costs with gas vehicles. In addition, we help to assess the feasibility of installing an internal refueling point for companies, which, in addition to facilitating logistics, brings a greater reduction in fuel costs, reaching up to 40pc savings compared to a kilometer driven with diesel.

How many stations should have VNG recharging technology for trucks in the coming years?

By the end of the year, there should be at least five more suitable stations with high throughput, reaching 10 depending on demand and the circulation of new trucks. It is worth remembering that Comgás only distributes the VNG to the gas stations, without ownership over them.

By Flávia Pierry

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