Natural gas appears under different names — NGV, CNG, and LNG — and is often associated with savings and lower emissions. In Brazil, it fulfills some roles well, but it also has clear limits related to infrastructure, logistics, and use.
Recognizing warning signs helps adjust expectations and use natural gas where it truly makes sense, without forcing applications that do not align with the Brazilian reality.
Understand the basics: NGV, CNG, and LNG are not the same thing
Despite similar acronyms, each form of natural gas serves different needs:
- **NGV (Natural Gas for Vehicles)**: used mainly in light vehicles and taxis, compressed at high pressure. - **CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)**: common in fleets and industrial applications close to the gas network. - **LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)**: cooled to very low temperatures, occupies less volume, and serves long distances and large consumers.
Confusing these applications is the first step toward inefficient choices.
Warning sign 1: dependence on infrastructure that does not exist on your route
In Brazil, the gas network is uneven. Regions with pipelines and NGV stations have clear advantages; outside them, problems arise.
Common alerts:
- Few NGV stations along the daily route. - Lack of LNG bases in strategic logistics corridors. - Dependence on road transport of gas to supply industries.
**What to do:** map the real infrastructure before opting for natural gas. In transport, this means planning routes and range. In industry, evaluating whether supply will be continuous or subject to bottlenecks.
Warning sign 2: use outside the ideal consumption profile
Natural gas works best with predictable and constant consumption. When demand is irregular, indirect costs appear.
Examples of misalignment:
- Vehicles that run little converted to NGV solely because of the promise of savings. - Seasonal industrial operations that require rapid energy peaks. - Fleets that need fast refueling but use CNG.
**What to do:** match the usage profile with the correct technology. In some cases, liquid fuels or partial electrification better meet demand variations.
Warning sign 3: total cost higher than the gas price suggests
The cubic meter may seem competitive, but the total cost goes beyond the price of the input.
Included in the calculation:
- Engine conversion and specialized maintenance. - Space lost to cylinders, in the case of NGV. - Investment in cryogenic tanks and safety for LNG.
**What to do:** look at the full cycle, not just the price at the pump or in the supply contract. Comparing alternatives on the same basis avoids medium-term surprises.
Environmental and operational limitations that are rarely discussed
Natural gas emits fewer local pollutants than other fossil fuels, but it is still a fossil fuel. Methane leaks and losses along the chain reduce the environmental gain.
In addition:
- Cryogenic operations require specific training. - Unplanned shutdowns have a greater impact on those who rely on a single energy source.
Recognizing these points helps use natural gas as a transition, not as a definitive solution.
Where natural gas makes the most sense in Brazil today
Even with limits, natural gas has solid applications:
- Taxis, ride-hailing vehicles, and urban fleets with high daily mileage. - Industries close to pipeline networks. - Heavy transport in specific corridors with LNG availability.
Outside these scenarios, warning signs tend to appear early. Reading these signs is what separates efficient use from a poorly calibrated bet.
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