Certification to spur use of NGV
The Energy Ministry is issuing certification to standard NGV engine-installation stations, to raise confidence among motorists about the safety of natural gas for vehicles.
Nationwide, there are 160 such stations. Eighteen have been certified, while 46 more are applying for certification. "NGV [natural gas for vehicles] is cheaper than other fuels. Once PTT expands more NGV stations in the provinces, together with the certification programme, we believe that more motorists will switch to this fuel," said Energy Business Department director-general Metta Banterngsook. Granting the certifications is a committee consisting of representatives from the Energy Business Department, the Land Transportation Department and PTT. To win certification, a station must be located on a plot covering more than 200 square metres. The permanent building must be equipped with standard tools and experienced engineers and mechanics. The station must also have a guarantee lasting no less than a year. It is estimated that the cost of moving a car one kilometre by NGV is Bt0.59, compared to Bt0.91 by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and Bt2 by petrol or gasohol. According to PTT senior executive vice president Chitrapongse Kwangsukstith, there are 31,700 NGV-driven vehicles. PTT aims to increase this number to 60,850 this year and to 256,600 by 2011. There are 118 NGV fuel stations nationwide, 100 in Bangkok and 18 in the provinces. The number is expected to rise to 270 in 40 provinces by the end of this year and to 545 by 2011.
Watcharapong Thongrung The Nation
|
