Driven by a combination of economic and environmental considerations, energy company CNG Holdings has seen increased interest in compressed natural gas (CNG).

The company notes that fleet operators continue to look for opportunities to improve operating efficiency and reduce fuels costs and emissions while remaining competitive in a challenging environment.

“Within the transport sector, CNG provides fleet operators with an immediately available lower-emission alternative to conventional petrol and diesel,” CNG Holdings CEO Josua le Roux states.

The company can assist in managing operating costs while reducing exposure to fuel price volatility. This, Le Roux says, is particularly evident in the difficult-to-abate transportation and distribution sectors.

CNG Holdings’ natural gas vehicle business has observed growing interest from logistics companies, courier services, municipal fleets, waste management operators, public transport providers and businesses operating high- mileage commercial vehicles.

“Organisations with centrally managed fleets are particularly well positioned to benefit from CNG because they can optimise vehicle use and refuelling operations,” Le Roux emphasises.

Compared with conventional petrol and diesel vehicles, CNG can reduce emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, depending on the vehicle technology, engine configuration and operating conditions.

Further, cleaner combustion has the potential to contribute to lower maintenance requirements in certain applications, depending on the vehicle, operating conditions and maintenance practices.

However, Le Roux stresses that South Africa’s transport sector will require a variety of energy solutions rather than one technology.

He notes that battery electric vehicles are well suited to certain urban and passenger applications, while hydrogen has the potential to play a role in specific heavy-duty applications when those technologies mature.

“CNG complements these technologies by providing an immediately available alternative for commercial transport operators seeking to lower transport-related emissions while maintaining operational flexibility.”

Expanding Access

The virtual gas network business supplies CNG to industrial customers that are not connected to existing gas pipeline infrastructure.

“This enables businesses to access natural gas without waiting for pipeline expansion, supporting industrial productivity. We anticipate continued interest from sectors, such as logistics, mining and other energy-intensive industries, as organisations seek opportunities to improve efficiencies, strengthen energy resilience and meet their sustainability objectives,” Le Roux highlights.

CNG Holdings’ approach remains disciplined and demand led, continually evaluating opportunities to expand its infrastructure where there is clear commercial justification and long-term customer value.

The company remains committed to supporting the evolving energy landscape.