Government hospitals in Gauteng are going green thanks to the installation of new natural gas systems which are expected to reduce carbon emissions and cut costs.  

In line with the government’s Green Initiative the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) and The Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH) contracted Virtual Gas Network (VGN) , a division of CNG Holdings, to convert the coal-burning boiler systems of 10 state-owned hospitals to cleaner natural gas ones.

Compressed natural gas is a cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy source that emits less CO2, NOX, HC and PM than other fossil fuels.

From a maintenance perspective, natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel and reduces residue, stench and carbon build up. This will significantly lower the hospitals’ maintenance requirements, extend service intervals and prolong overall equipment life.

A Turnkey solution

The GDID contracted VGN to convert four state hospitals (Tembisa, Kopanong, Yusuf Dadoo and Discoverers), to compressed natural gas. Once their efficiency had been proven, an additional six hospital contracts (Steve Biko, George Mukhari, Dunswart Laundry, Pretoria West, Far East Rand and Pholosong hospitals) were awarded to the company.

“We were initially contracted for the gas supply only, but in order to lower the conversion process timeframe we ended up supplying a turnkey solution that included design, boiler conversion, civil works, piping and equipment installation, gas supply as well as the required MHI and SAGA certifications,” explains Stephen Rothman, Chief Executive Officer, CNG Holdings.

By managing the entire conversion supply chain, VGN was able to convert the hospitals in three to four months. The company has also committed to lower this timeframe to just five weeks for future conversions with its recently increased equipment stockholding.  It adds that all conversions will be completed by the end of 2017.