Belneftekhim interested in liquefied natural gas as a vehicle fuel

November 22, 2013. The Belarusian state petrochemical industry concern Belneftekhim believes that the promotion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an engine fuel has a future in Belarus.

   Representatives of the State Duma of Russia, interested companies, and researchers took part in the business meeting held on November 21. The experts discussed topical aspects of the use of gas engine fuel, its production, application, and storage as well as advantages of LNG in comparison with compressed natural gas (CNG).

   The Belneftekhim head pointed out that using natural gas, in particular, methane, as an internal combustion engine fuel is not a new idea. Compressed and liquefied natural gases have been in use for a long time. However, while compressed natural gas is already used in Belarusian vehicles, the work to start using liquefied natural gas for the same purpose has just begun. The matter has yet to be thoroughly discussed, several decisions at the top level have to be made, and, what is important, vehicles have to be adjusted to use liquefied natural gas, a market to sell the fuel has to be created. Belneftekhim has factories capable of liquefying natural gas. According to officials, small business can get the ball rolling as far as the use of liquefied natural gas in automobiles in Belarus is concerned. Small businesses can use small plants to liquefy natural gas, thus setting an example that proves the effectiveness of the fuel.

   Vladimir Dementyev, Director General of the non-commercial partnership Gas Engine Fuel Industry Council of Russia, remarked that at present the production of LNG is one of the most rapidly developing sectors of the global market of energy resources.

   First Deputy Chairman of the Natural Resources, Nature Management and Ecology Committee of the State Duma Valery Yazev said this meeting reflects the trends going on in the world because the grand project for the transition of automobiles to natural gas requires the combination of all the potentials and the creation of a vast market with common standards, unified regulations, and universal equipment.

   In May 2013 Belarus launched a state action plan to switch mass transit and municipal vehicles to gas engine fuel. A network of refueling and service stations will be set up. Plans have been made to start manufacturing automobiles and buses powered by natural gas as well as special fuel equipment for refitting vehicles. In early September 2013 the gas-powered bus MAZ-203965 went into service in Minsk streets. It was designed by Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) and Gazprom Transgaz Belarus.

Quoted from:(http://www.ngvjournal.com)