Paraná Accelerates Expansion of the Blue Corridor with Key Point in Ponta Grossa

A New Chapter in the Evolution of CNG Fuel Infrastructure

Making a leap in its Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) refueling network, Paraná is advancing with the Blue Corridor project, now adding a strategically located facility in the Ponta Grossa Industrial District, Parada Vendrami, on BR-376. This new station will not only expand refueling routes for NGV trucks but will also serve as a distribution point for compressed natural gas (CNG) to other fueling stations and industries in the region.

Boosting the Green and Sustainable Economy

“Most NGV stations are located in urban areas and do not have the necessary infrastructure to refuel trucks,” notes Vinicius Vendrami Malucelli, one of the partners at Parada Vendrami. With the new station, both large and smaller vehicles will be able to be refueled simultaneously, providing a more efficient and sustainable refueling solution.

According to Malucelli, the new station will have extensive infrastructure not only for refueling but also for dining and resting for drivers, becoming a mandatory stop for them. Construction is progressing as planned, with expectations for the station to be operational by the end of the year.

Blue Corridor: A Path to the Future of Natural Gas

Compagas, the Paranaense Gas Company, launched the Blue Corridor project in 2020 with the goal of boosting the distribution of natural gas in Paraná. Fábio Eduardo Morgado, technical-commercial director of Compagas, emphasizes the importance of Parada Vendrami, which will provide a robust infrastructure for refueling heavy vehicles.

“This structure will allow the site to be used as a base for the compression of natural gas, enabling road distribution to other municipalities in the state,” Morgado notes. He reiterates that this will expand Compagas’ operations, bringing more competitiveness and development to users without access to the piped network.

Reducing Carbon Emissions and Promoting Sustainability

NGV is recognized as an effective alternative to reduce diesel usage, offering a less polluting solution with high potential for short-term expansion. It is believed that natural gas can reduce CO2 emissions by over 20%, while biomethane can achieve a reduction of up to 90%, according to Morgado.

Moreover, natural gas also offers public health benefits due to its contribution to reducing local pollution. Compared to diesel, the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) is nearly 90% and particulates reach a reduction of 85%.

Promoting the Growth of the NGV Fleet

With the demand for NGV trucks increasing, manufacturers like Scania are betting on the expansion of this market. Scania Bank, the automaker’s financing institution, launched an exclusive credit line for the acquisition of sustainable vehicles, the CDC Verde program.

Scania’s gas vehicle line, which operates with NGV, biomethane, and/or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), is aligned with the three pillars of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental, making it an attractive option for shippers and carriers interested in decarbonizing the transportation and logistics sector.