October 13, 2023. The conversion and supply of the first truck powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel, known as Tecfuel, marks the beginning of the supply of the least polluting fuel for road freight transportation in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and is one more step for the local government in the process of changing energy matrices to cleaner energy sources, set in the objective of making Mato Grosso do Sul, towards 2030, an internationally recognized territory as carbon neutral.
The entire process was monitored by the MSGÁS, an organization linked to the Ministry of Environment, Development, Science, Technology and Innovation (Semadesc). “This is a historic moment for Mato Grosso do Sul, in addition to the fact that CNG technology reduces the costs of heavy cargo, it also means a lower environmental impact in the transportation matrix, both for cargo, at this time, and for passengers, in the future. This is because CNG emits less pollutants,” comments the Minister of Semadesc, Jaime Verruck.
According to the General Director of MSGÁS, Rui Pires dos Santos, “this is the first step towards the definitive entry of heavy trucks into CNG, an achievement that represents a notable competitive advantage, as companies seek to keep their fleets operating efficiently and reducing costs in a challenging market environment.” According to the official, the installation of the fifth generation CNG kit, along with diesel, promises a substantial gain in engine performance, which is good news in the transport sector.
Rui Pires dos Santos reinforces that MSGÁS participates with great responsibility in the challenge launched by Governor Eduardo Riedel in the search for effective actions to consolidate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, “an audacious goal to reach 2030 by neutralizing our emissions”. He recalls that this year the Governor signed a decree that exempts IPVA and more fees from the Department of Transportation (Detran) for conversions of new vehicles to CNG. In addition, “we are offering a conversion bonus of R$ 1,000 to encourage our drivers to opt for the gaseous fuel.”
One of the main highlights of this initiative is the range of up to 700 kilometers on highways, which eliminates concerns about the availability of fueling infrastructure that often involve owners of natural gas-powered vehicles. This means that these units can travel considerable distances without needing to refuel, making them more efficient and practical for road transport.
Studies by ZN 48, the company responsible for the technology installed in trucks, reveal that this transformation can lead to economic savings of up to 15% and a 25% increase in the average number of kilometers traveled per liter. Each converted truck represents a reduction of up to 35% in emissions of polluting gases into the atmosphere, an undeniable benefit for air quality and the environment.
