According to the results of the first phase of the Pilot Plan to evaluate the operational, economic and environmental feasibility of Natural Vehicle Gas (NGV) in Panamanian public transport buses, he highlighted that there is potential to reduce carbon emissions.

Among the findings, it was shown that vehicles with identical capacities and geometric characteristics, and traveling the same routes, when operating with CNG fuel their estimated greenhouse gas emissions, measured in tons of CO2, were 20% less than those for a similar vehicle operated with diesel.

Likewise, the study, which analyzed the behavior of vehicles that operated for almost 10 months on various routes in Panama City, each for a period of 2 weeks, showed a decrease in the level of noise and other atmospheric pollutants such as particulate matter (MP10 and MP2.5).

Carlos Sanchez Fábrega, General Manager of MiBus, commented that the buses operated without any difficulties, which confirms the potential of this system for public transport in the country.

“The use of CNG brings multiple advantages, in terms of efficiency and sustainability. The more buses we can add to the fleet with more environmentally friendly systems, the better it will be for everyone,” Fábrega said.

Meanwhile, Carlos Plazaola, professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Technological University of Panama (UTP), highlighted that a multidisciplinary group participated in this study, composed of specialists from various areas and students, who contributed to the development of the mathematical model, thus allowing to obtain the results achieved.

For his part, Miguel Bolinaga, president of AES Panama, said that this company celebrates public-private collaboration opportunities, which promote social welfare, raise the quality of life of citizens and encourage innovation in society.

“As we move towards more efficient electrical solutions, we are convinced that CNG will play a fundamental role in Panama’s energy transition,” said Bolinaga.