At present two "test" vehicles, Nissan Wingroads specially outfitted by suppliers Courtesy Garage, are on the roads among thousands of gasoline motors as part of a pilot project of national significance.

Partners in the six-month pilot project are the Ministry of Energy and the Environment, the Barbados National Oil Company (BNOC), the National Petroleum Corporation (NPC) and Courtesy Garage.

The two Nissan Wingroads have been outfitted with special filters and tanks, to use compressed natural gas (CNG), and will be operated and monitored for the collection of critical data as part of the ground-breaking project.

Oil prices on the international market have been at their highest ever over the past two years and, according to Government figures, Barbados' energy bill rose from $150m to $475m in four years due to the rising cost of fossil fuels.

As part of efforts to reduce the island's energy import bill, the country has been pursuing a policy of incorporating viable alternatives and Minister of Energy and the Environment Elizabeth Thompson described the new test project as being a good fit with the proposed national energy policy.

Natural gas is used as a alternate fuel for vehicles in several countries, including neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago.

It has been chosen for the pilot project because it is safer, cleaner, and cheaper.

Thompson added that, given the fact that Barbados already possessed a natural gas grid with 16 000 domestic consumers, and almost 7 000 commercial users, the CNG fuel would be an easy alternative to gasoline and diesel.

The partners believe that natural gas is an excellent alternative for Barbados, since it is produced locally and comes at a lower cost and higher quality.

Natural gas cars also produce less greenhouse emissions and boast a track record for lower engine maintenance. (BB)