Comgás enables the transformation of gas-powered buses in Campinas, in partnership with Tupy and MWM

Gas engine reduces greenhouse gas emissions and has lower fuel cost than a diesel engine

Comgás, the largest distributor of piped natural gas in Brazil, together with Tupy and its subsidiary MWM, presented the solution for the transformation of diesel engines to 100% gas engines, carried out by MWM itself, to Itajaí Transportes Coletivos in the city of Campinas, where traffic and public transport are managed by the Municipal Development Company of Campinas (Empresa Municipal de Desenvolvimento de Campinas – EMDEC). The city, which seeks to reduce pollutant emissions and have a low fuel cost alternative, has adopted the solution for one bus from its municipal fleet. The replacement of the engine was carried out by Tupy MWM and the vehicle, under the responsibility of Itajaí, is already providing services to users on lines in the Campo Grande region. It is the first bus in the municipal fleet powered by CNG and the expectation is that other vehicles will gradually be incorporated.

Swapping the diesel engine for the MWM 100% CNG engine reduces greenhouse gas emissions of CO² (carbon dioxide) by up to 25%. Furthermore, the generation of particulate matter is close to zero, reaching a reduction above 90% in the emission of local pollutants and contributing to the improvement of air quality in the city, as natural gas practically eliminates the “black smoke” expelled by conventional diesel bus engines, one of the causes of respiratory diseases.

In addition to being more sustainable for the environment, the CNG engine presents a reduction in operating cost compared to the diesel engine. “Natural gas offers many benefits, such as a reduction of up to 30% in the cost per kilometer driven in relation to diesel, if the vehicle is fueled inside the garage; easy maintenance, as 85% of the components are similar to those used in conventional engines; the possibility of fast fueling; and also 20% less noise than diesel engines,” explains Guilherme Santana Freitas, head of CNG at Comgás.

The solution of replacing the diesel engine with a 100% gas-powered engine meets a market demand for solutions that favor decarbonization, increasingly reducing the emission of polluting gases into the atmosphere. The vehicle was delivered with a new engine, maintaining the same power and torque, and with the entire gas system installed and regularized documentation for the CNG.

To further boost the use of gas in buses and trucks, Comgás has carried out logistical studies with industries, carriers and bus companies to enable routes, financial return and provide sustainable operations, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing diesel. “The use of CNG in buses is an excellent alternative for reducing emissions, as it has supply infrastructure and can still generate savings in the cost per km traveled,” reinforces Guilherme Santana Freitas.

According to MWM President & CEO José Eduardo Luzzi, “we remain in constant pursuit of complete solutions connected to decarbonization in the rural and urban segments, one of them being the vehicle transformation of medium and heavy vehicles from diesel to gas. This alternative has multiple benefits such as reducing CO₂ emission, quality, productivity and even cost reduction. We are discussing several opportunities in the domestic market and, within Comgás’ concession area, we have formed a partnership, in which we participated with the engine transformation, and Comgás with the CNG. We are certain of the success of this partnership and its positive impact on the transport segment in Brazil.

According to the mechanical engineering sector of Itajaí Transportes Coletivos, even with the preliminary results, the CNG bus has proven to be a highly efficient vehicle in terms of power and performance, in addition to presenting an savings in consumption.

The president of EMDEC, Vinicius Riverete, points out that “one of the proposals to develop public transport in Campinas is the option of less polluting buses. Natural gas is a sustainable solution for urban mobility, from an environmental, economic and social point of view, as it reduces the emission of pollutants and noise pollution, in addition to presenting lower operational cost”.

About Comgás  

Comgás has more than 21,000 kilometers of piped natural gas distribution network in 95 municipalities, supplying the industrial, commercial, residential and automotive segments, in addition to enabling cogeneration projects and providing gas for thermoelectric plants. The company serves more than 2.3 million customers in its concession area in the State of São Paulo: the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, the Administrative Region of Campinas, Baixada Santista and Vale do Paraíba.

About TUPY

A Brazilian multinational company that develops and produces structural components in cast iron of high geometric and metallurgical complexity. These engineering solutions are applied in the transportation, infrastructure, agribusiness, and replacement and energy generation sectors and contribute to people’s quality of life by promoting access to health, basic sanitation, drinking water, food production and distribution and global trade. Its production is concentrated in Brazilian factories, in Betim/MG, São Paulo/SP and Joinville/SC, and abroad, in the cities of Aveiro, Portugal, and in Saltillo and Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. In addition, it has commercial offices in Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and the USA.

 About MWM

Recently acquired by Tupy, MWM offers complete decarbonization solutions for the field and the city, has an extensive spare parts portfolio and is a reference in manufacturing, engine and generator contract operations. For 70 years in Brazil, it serves several segments and exports to more than 45 countries. Its customers count on a renowned and capable distribution network and services with more than 600 points in Brazil.