Mexican industry expects to double number of natural gas stations in 2021
The Mexican Association of Natural Gas for Vehicles, CNG, LNG and Biogas (AMGNV) reported that the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) authorized new permits for NGV projects in the country, for which they estimate that in December 2021 the country will reach 107 public natural gas stations. 2020 had closed with 57 stations in operation and 50 new projects, of which 21 are in steps prior to the start of service, others that are in process, construction or permits before the authorities, to start commercial activities this year.
The AMGNV also reported that there are currently more than 52,000 natural gas vehicles in Mexico. According to the president of the entity Andrés Bayona, the growth in the service offer will require an effort to multiply current CNG consumption in proportion.
“In November 2020 we decided to develop a national plan to reactivate the sector including all players. We are in the analysis and prospecting stage before launching this ambitious project that seeks to double the NGV vehicle fleet in just two years,” added Bayona.
On the other hand, the production and export of heavy natural gas vehicles also advanced in Mexico, despite the implications of COVID-19 and the growth rate of the heavy vehicle industry in the country. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), from January to December 2020, 619 cargo and passenger vehicles powered by natural gas were produced, while exports reached 608 units.
According to the National Association of Bus, Truck and Tractor Producers (ANPACT), the export of heavy vehicles running on gas had a significant growth in December 2020, since 78 units were sent abroad in that month, while in December 2019, 55 were exported, which meant a growth of 41.8%.
In this regard, Miguel Elizalde, executive president of ANPACT, commented that December is a month in which the industry usually presents declines in production. However, he highlighted the growth of the export of “green” vehicles throughout last year, despite the effects of the health crisis in the industry.
