Cryogenic technology for fuel is used in space exploration, but the dream to use it to improve efficiency of heavy-ditty vehicles led Nayan Pandya, an industrial engineer, into the uncharted territory of LNG supply without pipelines. His company LNG Express was recently featured in a book on innovative petrochemical practices by Prof Pramod Paliwal, dean of SPM, PDPU.
PAST JOURNEY: For two decades, Pandya and his team supplied customized cryogenic equipment to the industry. But he found business opportunity in the developing LNG market in India. "we started approaching private and public sector CGD & petrochemical conglomerates and pitched the idea of LNG and LCNG supply," said Pandya. LNG Express took shape in march 2018 as a Vadodara-based LCNG hub and spoke station, the first in India. the company today supplies to a majority of western and southern states of India including difficult terrains of coal mines.
NEXT STEP: "Our dream is to make LNG available at all major highways in India in the next 5-10 years. Industry and policymakers are now warming up to the idea that we need to reduce dependence on fossil fuel and need cleaner more efficient energy source to keep our country running," said Pandya. the firm is also investing in new innovations and making a business model where they install the LNG re-gas station along with equipment for the customers. the firm has also developed LNG kits for trucks which are three times more efficient than conventional fuel.
CHALLENGES: The primary challenge comes from regulatory framework, and current dependence on conventional fuel mix in India. Exclusivity for the major players is also prevents new firms from entering the sector. The challenge is to make LNG accessible and affordable for the transport industry and give last-mile connectivity.
SECRET TO SUCCESS: It's the team's passion and commitment towards the cause, says Pandya. " we have first tried every technology on our vehicles. If it's working for me, it will suit others," he said. the company also enjoys the status of a trailblazer for thinking out of the box in the field of this technology.