CNG vehicles: Risks, realities, experts’ recommendations

As Nigeria grapples with soaring fuel costs and the drive toward alternative energy sources, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has gained prominence as a potential solution for the nation’s energy needs.

However, the adoption of CNG has brought concerns regarding its safety and infrastructure.

While CNG is marketed as a cleaner and more economical alternative to petrol and diesel, questions remain about its risks and the safety measures in place.

CNG: A cleaner and cost-effective option?

CNG is heralded for being a less polluting fuel compared to traditional gasoline or diesel, emitting fewer greenhouse gases and particulates. Dr. Tunde Adebayo, an energy economist at Lagos State University, points out, “From an environmental perspective, CNG has significant advantages. It’s part of the solution for reducing the carbon footprint and managing air pollution in urban areas.”

Financially, CNG can also alleviate pressure on the wallets of both individuals and businesses.

According to industry estimates, the cost of fueling vehicles with CNG is substantially lower than petrol, a key factor that could help cushion the blow of Nigeria’s high inflation rate and fluctuating petrol prices.

However, despite these benefits, experts emphasize that safety concerns need to be addressed head-on.

Safety risks: A complex landscape

While CNG is considered safer than petrol due to its lighter-than-air property, which allows it to disperse quickly in the event of a leak, it is not without its risks. One of the primary concerns is the pressure at which CNG is stored.

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CNG is kept in tanks at high pressures—up to 3,600 pounds per square inch (psi)—which means that any malfunction or structural failure in the tank can lead to potentially dangerous outcomes.

“The high-pressure nature of CNG storage introduces risks not present in traditional fuel systems,” explains Engineer Akinyele Ibitoye, a mechanical engineer with expertise in fuel systems.

“While it’s not prone to explosions in the same way liquid fuels are, a rupture can be catastrophic, especially if safety standards are not rigorously maintained.”

A 2023 report by the Nigerian Association of Engineers highlighted cases where substandard CNG tanks or inadequate safety measures led to accidents in other countries. “Nigeria must learn from these precedents,” adds Ibitoye. “The infrastructure, from storage to distribution, has to be top-tier to minimize risks.”

The role of regulatory frameworks

Safety experts are unanimous in their view that regulatory oversight is crucial for safe CNG adoption.

Currently, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have frameworks in place for the use of CNG, but experts argue that more robust and enforceable standards are needed.

“Regulation and enforcement go hand in hand,” says Sarah Onyekachi, a risk management consultant in the energy sector.

“While the existing policies cover the basics, we need continuous monitoring and updates to these standards. Training for personnel handling CNG installations and vehicles is also critical to prevent human error, which is a significant risk factor.”

Infrastructure gaps and public awareness

One major challenge to safe CNG usage in Nigeria is the lack of comprehensive infrastructure. Dr. Adebayo notes that while there has been a push to set up CNG filling stations across key regions, the quality of these installations varies. “For CNG to be a viable and safe option, the supporting infrastructure—from refueling stations to vehicle conversion kits—must be certified and regularly audited.”

READ ALSO: Experts warn of safety risks as another CNG vehicle goes up in flames

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Public awareness is another area that requires attention. Many Nigerians are still unfamiliar with the proper handling of CNG-powered vehicles. Training programs for drivers and technicians need to be ramped up to foster a culture of safety.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Ensuring that drivers understand how to safely refuel and maintain their CNG vehicles can drastically reduce risks,” says Onyekachi.

Balancing benefits with safety

While CNG represents a promising alternative to traditional fuels, its safety cannot be overlooked. “The benefits are clear, but we need to approach this transition with caution and foresight,” emphasizes Engineer Ibitoye.

By addressing infrastructure challenges, reinforcing regulations, and building public awareness, Nigeria can harness the advantages of CNG while ensuring public safety.

As the country looks to diversify its energy sources, striking this balance will be crucial for sustainable and secure energy consumption.