Accra: Xpress Gas Limited, a leading Ghanaian downstream petroleum company, has announced a strategic partnership with Polygon (Beijing) Energy Technology Corporation to revolutionize the implementation of Ghana's Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) using advanced technology. This collaboration aims to enhance LPG accessibility, safety, distribution, and cylinder traceability, aligning with the National Petroleum Authority's (NPA) initiative introduced in 2023.
According to Ghana News Agency, the partnership is designed to leverage technology and research to expand LPG access in Ghana. Mr. Festus William Amoyaw, the General Manager of Xpress Gas, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating that the relationship between the two companies has been nurtured over the past four years. He expressed confidence in the partnership's potential to broaden LPG access across the country through the CRM, which allows consumers to exchange empty cylinders for filled ones, thereby improving convenience and reducing risks associated with cylinder transportation and handling.
A joint statement from Xpress Gas and Polygon emphasized the NPA's goal to increase LPG access in Ghana to 50 percent by 2030. Under the new partnership, Polygon will introduce cutting-edge LPG Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, featuring cylinder tracking systems and smart valves equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), QR codes, and barcodes. These innovations aim to improve cylinder management and traceability, while intelligent refilling dispensers and smart scales will enable households and businesses to accurately measure the gas quantity in cylinders.
Polygon will further support Xpress Gas in developing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based systems via its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, enhancing cylinder distribution efficiency nationwide. Mr. Amoyaw emphasized Polygon's strong research and development capabilities as a key asset for advancing the partnership goals.
Mr. Du YongFang, General Manager of Polygon, underscored the partnership's shared vision of leveraging technology and design to improve the LPG industry and enhance consumer experiences. He noted that this agreement marks Polygon's inaugural project in Africa and expressed the company's commitment to supporting Xpress Gas in optimizing its operations. Mr. Du also revealed aspirations to deploy Polygon's smart dispenser technology at an Xpress Gas bottling plant in the future.
Xpress Gas, licensed by the NPA as a Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketing Company (LPGMC), has been operational since 2009 and initiated the CRM pilot in 2017. The company currently distributes LPG in branded cylinders across various regions, including Accra, Tema, Kasoa, Assin Foso, and Kumasi, with plans to extend its reach to more households and businesses.
Polygon (Beijing) Energy Technology Corporation, established in 2010, focuses on the research and development, production, sales, and servicing of intelligent hardware and software solutions tailored for the LPG industry, including smart valves, LPG IoT management systems, and terminal business SaaS platforms.