THANKS to COVID-19 it’s now more important than ever for manufacturers to strike a balance between innovation and cost-saving.
That’s according to Virtual Gas Network, a supplier of compressed Natural Gas via a virtual gas distribution network.
It believes that a key approach to reducing the costs of energy is the implementation and use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) via an off-the-grid supply system.
“It gives local businesses accessibility to a tried and tested product that continuously delivers affordable energy. Manufacturing clients currently running operations through the virtual gas network are enjoying savings of between 19% and 30% on energy costs,” the company said in a statement.
“Switching from traditional energy sources, such as electricity, LPG and diesel, to CNG through a natural gas network will help drive down energy costs significantly. For example, in comparison to LPG the costs savings average R120/GJ.”
According to the company, establishing new approaches to help reduce or reshape consumption and associated cost levels is another key strategy for survival. It citied the H5N1 epidemic which proved a catalyst for medical innovation in North-West Africa.
“At the height of H5N1 infections, the world saw the birth of the medical production and supply industry in traditional western reliant countries such as Ghana. Today these industries are driving the supply chain for medical components in the fight against COVID-19.”
It said that in South Africa businesses in the chemical and plastics industry have a unique opportunity to get closer to the benefits of using CNG through a virtual gas system offered by Virtual Gas Networks.
“Manufacturing is one of the worst affected sectors by Covid-19. The epidemic has forced many factories to shut, exports to grind to a halt, and workers sent home during the nation-wide lockdown. Virtual Gas Network integrates CNG as part of a company’s response plan in reaching short and long-term energy-saving objectives, factoring in not only economic but also social and environmental challenges.”
