Cape Town-based fibre network operator Octotel has provided two of their internal combustion engine vehicles to KepuGas to conduct a proof of concept and evaluate the benefits of LPG as an alternative fuel for their large vehicle fleet.

GreenCape, supported by the Western Cape Government, has now published a case study of the pilot, showing how the move to Autogas can reduce operational costs and lower environmental damage.

“Compared to ordinary internal combustion engine vehicles and battery-petrol hybrid electric vehicles, LPG significantly reduce vehicle emissions and provide significant cost savings,” GreenCape said. “The reduced carbon build-up in LPG vehicles also leads to lower vehicle maintenance costs because of more extended periods between services and increased life for spark plugs.”

The group also said that the transition to Autogas could also lead to significant job creation and investment potential as there are six refineries in South Africa, of which five produce LPG.

KepuGas is in the process of building a network of Autogas refuelling stations in the Western Cape as demand grows, including one at the Atlantis Special Economic Zone for Green Technologies (ASEZ). The LPG supply for this pilot was provided from their LPG station in Salt River, Cape Town, which gets its supply from the Sunrise Energy LPG import and storage facility in Saldanha Bay. Additional reserves are provided by other bulk storage facilities in the Western Cape or via Port Elizabeth and Richards Bay. For more information, please check this link.

Photo: KepuGas

8 December 2021