Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) and Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to design and manufacture lightweight fibreglass CNG cylinders. In this regard, Pakistan Science Foundation will contribute Rs 1.8 million and Suparco Rs 2.2 million.
They will conduct research to manufacture lightweight and low cost fibreglass CNG cylinders. Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation, Dr Farid A. Malik and Chairman of Suparco, Major Raza Hussain (Retd) signed the MoU.
Pakistan Science Foundation also signed another memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dewan Farooq Motors and Pak Suzuki Motors Company Ltd to install these cylinders in Kia motors and Suzuki cars.
While addressing the ceremony, Advisor to Prime Minister on Energy, Engr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that Pakistan Science Foundation would establish a regulatory body to make "cylinders safety" as per international standards.
He said that for the last 30 years oil production is stagnant but gas production and demand has increased, so demand projection plan is required to address this issue. He said that Pakistan Science Foundation would ensure that these cylinders are as per international NGV2 specification.
Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation, Dr Farid A. Malik said that currently Pakistan imports about 0.1 million cylinders per annum worth 15 million dollars. He added that local production would save foreign exchange.
Pakistan Science Foundation would be able to test these cylinders in automobiles till December 2005 and the product will be available in the market till June 2006.
Nasir Hassan, representative of Pak. Suzuki Motors Company Ltd said that Pakistan is third biggest consumer of CNG cylinders in the world and Pak. Suzuki is the largest manufacturer in the world.