IN a groundbreaking move towards a greener and economically efficient future, Tanzania has inaugurated its first ‘Master Gas’ Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Filling Station and Conversion Centre. Located at the Pugu Road – Airport Area in Dar es Salaam, this state-of-the-art facility, developed by TAQA Dalbit, is set to revolutionise the nation’s energy landscape.
The ‘Master Gas’ initiative, backed by an investment exceeding $10 million, aims to promote the use of compressed natural gas as a sustainable and affordable alternative to liquid fuels. CNG-powered vehicles are not only cost-effective, with an average 50 percent reduction in expenses for consumers compared to liquid fuel, but also environmentally friendly, emitting approximately 25 percent less CO2.
With a capacity of 11,000kg of CNG, equivalent to 7600 sqm of compressed gas, the filling station can cater to the needs of up to 800 vehicles daily. Additionally, the conversion centre, an integral part of the facility, boasts the capability to convert 1,000 vehicles annually. It accommodates vehicles of various types, ranging from passenger cars to buses and trucks.
Doto Mashaka Biteko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Tanzania, commended the joint investment by TAQA Arabia and JCG Oil & Gas. He expressed excitement about the transformative shift in Tanzania’s energy landscape, emphasising the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Biteko stated, ‘The new CNG Filling Station and Conversion Centre is a monumental achievement, demonstrating our nation’s technological prowess and commitment to a sustainable, greener, and economically efficient future.’
Rikin Shah, Group CEO of JCG, highlighted the timely introduction of the ‘Master Gas’ initiative in the market of natural gases. He remarked, ‘Natural gas is a more sustainable alternative energy source compared to petrol and diesel. Coming at a time when the cost of living is rising, motorists will be happy to know that this CNG station will provide a cheaper alternative for their daily vehicle use, and that they can seamlessly convert their vehicles at our centre.’
The launch of the ‘Master Gas’ CNG Filling Station and Conversion Center signifies a significant step towards a cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable energy future for Tanzania. This initiative is the first of a series of 12 stations planned by TAQA Dalbit in the coming years, heralding a new era in the nation’s energy landscape.