NGVAmerica News Week in Review: June 13, 2016

 

• “CNG from Sea to Shining Sea Road Rally” Makes Final Stop in Washington, DC
• DOE Solicitation to Provide $22.5 Million for Alternative Fuel Projects
• State Air Quality Agencies Urge EPA to Lower NOx Standard for Heavy Duty Trucks
• SWANA & NGVAmerica Partner on Best Practices forNatural Gas Refuse Vehicles
• American Natural Gas Opens Public CNG Station in Kentucky
• Trillium CNG Completes CNG Station for Holiday Stationstores in Minnesota
• McNeilus and Agility Join Forces to Provide CNG Solution
• Momentum Fuel Technologies Debuts New Roof-Mount Configurations
• Kansas Gas Service Announces Natural Gas Vehicle Rebate Program
• Dover to Acquire Wayne Fueling Systems
• Marine Companies Join Forces to Advance LNG-Fueled Vessels

 

“CNG from Sea to Shining Sea Road Rally” Makes Final Stop in Washington, DC

June 10, 2016

NGVAmerica is proud to recognize the successful conclusion of the “CNG from Sea to Shining Sea Road Rally” in Washington, DC on June 10, 2016. The 3,143-mile cross-country rally began in Long Beach, California on May 30, 2016 and included stops in 13 cities.

The mission of the road rally was to inform and educate the American public on the benefits of NGVs and to demonstrate the viability and vibrancy of the domestic NGV market. The rally successfully showed that NGVs can travel across the nation using a broad network of natural gas fueling stations.

“This rally was a great symbol of the ease of what’s possible when traveling across the country in a natural gas vehicle,” said NGVAmerica President Matthew Godlewski. “But in reality this is actually happening everyday as more private fleets, municipal transit agencies, trash haulers, and consumers continue to choose clean-burning natural gas to power their vehicles.”

The cross-country trip was made by at least eight vehicles, including a 2010 Ford F-150 that was driven by Pat Riley, General Manager, Gibson County Utility District of Trenton, Tennessee. Pat made the 3,143-mile trip using 136 gasoline gallon equivalents (GGEs) of CNG at an average price of $1.85. At one station, natural gas was just 35 cents per GGE. The total cost of fuel used on the trip was $251.60.

Fifty awards were given out during the rally to local fleets and representatives who support natural gas vehicles in their area. The well-attended public stops also featured educational workshops, presentations by NGV-advocates, and a variety of display vehicles to showcase the versatility of natural gas as a transportation fuel.

NGVAmerica, the American Public Gas Association (APGA), and American Gas Association (AGA) were the “CNG from Sea to Shining Sea Road Rally” presenting sponsors and were joined by 44 other sponsors.

 

DOE Solicitation to Provide $22.5 Million for Alternative Fuel Projects

June 13, 2016

This week, the U.S. Department of Energy unveiled the details on a new funding opportunity for alternative fuel vehicles (AFV). The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is divided into the following three areas:  1) $7.8 million for development and demonstration of Class 3 – 7 plug-in electric vehicles; 2) $4.5 million development and demonstration of direct-injection engine technology utilizing propane; and 3) $10.0 million for community based projects that accelerate the use of commercially available AFVs of all sizes, and their supporting infrastructure.

DOE’s FOA is somewhat light on details. However, DOE has scheduled a webinar for June 15 where additional details should be available. The FOA indicates that the third area is expected to encourage projects involving state and local governments and private sector participants, and should demonstrate the ability to catalyze the adoption of clean transportation technologies and serve as an example for what other communities can do. The FOA states that partners should include fuel suppliers, auto dealerships, fuel retailers, fleets, equipment manufacturers, energy marketers, and energy companies.  The focus is on on-road vehicles, including light, medium, or heavy duty vehicles.

For each of these opportunities, DOE has indicated it intends to potentially award multiple projects. The solicitation for community based advancement of AFVs indicates that awardees can expect to receive $3 million to $5 million in funding, so it is likely DOE will fund two to three different projects. Given that the funding announcement is sponsored by the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office (EERE), it is expected that Clean Cities Coalitions will be the primary recipients of these funds, but this is not guaranteed and the funding announcement is open to all types of organizations including governmental entities and private companies.

Timing of this opportunity:

• Information Webinar – June 15, 2016
• Concept Papers – July 6, 2016
• Full Concept Paper – August 29, 2016
• Selection Announcements – January 27

More details are available here (FOA DE-FOA-000-1535) and here.

 

State Air Quality Agencies Urge EPA to Lower NOx Standard for Heavy Duty Trucks

June 3, 2016

Air quality officials from Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, Ohio, and Washington State submitted a formal petition to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy urging the agency to conduct a rulemaking to impose a tighter nitrogen oxide (NOx) standard for heavy duty trucks.  The 38-page petition makes the case that California and other areas of the country cannot attain federal air quality standards for ozone levels without more demanding federal emission rules for on-road trucks.  The petition points out that on-road trucks produce a significant amount of the NOx emissions in many areas of the country and are the largest source in key areas.

A major theme of the petition is that federal controls are necessary because the transient nature of trucks means that state officials cannot control the emissions of trucks that are registered in other states but nevertheless travel through them. The petition points out that technology exists to lower emissions from heavy duty trucks and includes information on the availability of the 8.9 liter low-NOx natural gas engine produced by Cummins Westport and supported by the SCAQMD, CEC and Southern California Gas Company. The petition also highlights expected developments concerning future low-NOx natural gas engines.  Also evident in the petition is the expectation that diesel engines also will be able to meet the more demanding standards as early as 2022. The petition indicates that establishing a nationwide standard of 0.02 g/bhp-hr will maximize the use of natural gas technology as well as cleaner diesel technology.

Another major theme of the petition is the need to establish these standards so that they take effect commensurate with EPA’s Phase 2 greenhouse gas regulations for heavy duty vehicles.  Citing information submitted by the Manufacturers of Emission Control Association (MECA), the petition argues that it is more cost-effective if changes to engines are made simultaneously to meet the new standards for GHG emissions and NOx emissions. The timing of the petition is telling, having been filed the same day that the Office of Management and Budget received a copy of the draft final rule for the Phase 2 heavy duty GHG standards. Many environmental organizations had urged EPA to impose lower-NOx limits as part of that rule. Knowing that the rules will not propose any changes to NOx levels likely led to the filing of the petition.

The petition also urges EPA to amend incentives provided under the Diesel Emission Reduction Act to specifically encourage 0.02 g/bhp-hr NOx engines as soon as possible and to also allow operators to keep their old trucks so long as they are only operated in areas outside of non-attainment areas. The DERA program typically requires operators to scrap old trucks, so letting owners keep the trucks is a useful incentive to encourage increased interest.

For more information, contact Jeff Clarke 202.824.7364 or jclarke@NGVAmerica.org.

 

SWANA & NGVAmerica Partner on Best Practices for Natural Gas Refuse Vehicles

June 7, 2016

NGVAmerica and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) are collaborating to develop a new safety and best practices guide for fueling and maintaining natural gas powered refuse trucks. The document will provide the latest information used by fleets for safely operating collection and transfer vehicles that run on clean-burning and affordable natural gas.

“NGVAmerica is the leading association working to promote the use of natural gas refuse vehicles, and SWANA is the largest association for the waste and recycling sector in North America, and we both have a strong commitment to safety,” said SWANA’s executive director and CEO, David Biderman. “By working together and take advantage of each association’s expertise, we expect the guidance document will provide critical information for members of both associations and others in the waste and recycling industry.”

NGVAmerica’s Technology and Development Committee is leading the collaborative effort with SWANA. The committee is comprised of over 70 NGV industry stakeholders who work together to improve safety and maintenance issues, further codes and standards development, and to promote the latest innovation to improve the NGV experience for fleets and consumers.

“Communities are demanding cleaner, quieter, more cost-effective options for the refuse vehicles running through their neighborhoods and natural gas delivers the best option,” said NGVAmerica’s president, Matthew Godlewski. “Our goal in partnering on this new document is to bring further awareness to best practices and demonstrate that safety continues to be the industry’s top priority.”

Mr. Biderman announced the collaboration at the annual conference WasteExpo in the Las Vegas Convention Center on June 7, 2016. NGVAmerica and SWANA worked together last year on federal advocacy issues relating to the tax treatment of natural gas-fueled vehicles.

 

American Natural Gas Opens Public CNG Station in Kentucky

June 8, 2016

American Natural Gas (ANG) has opened the first public CNG station in Georgetown, Kentucky. Located along the I-75/I-64 corridor, the station brings alternative fuel to the region’s automotive, agriculture and transportation industry operations.

“Kentucky’s strategic location for national freight movement is further strengthened with the addition of the ANG site near I-75/I-64,” noted Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition President Alan Steiden.

ANG worked closely with Columbia Gas, a utility company and natural gas supplier, to secure high pressure and capacity. This, coupled with the station’s state-of-the-art compressors and equipment, gives heavy duty tractors a high-flow and easy fueling experience. The site features generous ingress and egress, large capacity buffer storage and consumer-friendly CNG fuel dispensers.

Trucking is the predominate mode of freight transportation in Kentucky because it’s located within 600 miles of 60 percent of the country’s population, 58 percent of the country’s manufacturing firms, and 59 percent of the nation’s purchasing power.

Bestway Express, a family owned carrier with 300 power units and 600 dry van trailers, has signed on as an anchor tenant of the station.

“Having a CNG station in our backyard is a major step toward meeting our goals,” said Will McCormick, maintenance director for Bestway Express. “We’re committed to reducing emissions, our carbon footprint, and our dependency on foreign oil and our continued relationship with ANG will make it all possible.”

 

Trillium CNG Completes CNG Station for Holiday Stationstores in Minnesota

June 8, 2016

Holiday Stationstores has added CNG to their existing fueling and convenience store located in Lakeville, Minnesota.  Trillium CNG built and will maintain the public fast-fill CNG fueling station.

“We recognize the need to offer customers a cleaner, more cost-effective fuel alternative and are pleased to partner with Trillium CNG on the opening,” said Brian Ochocki, vice president for Holiday Companies. “This will be Holiday’s second CNG fueling location and we are excited to offer local fleets this option at a convenient location open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Located just off of Interstate 35 just south of the Twin Cities, the station is open to all vehicles and has easy access in and out for heavy duty trucks. The dual hose dispenser will allow two semitrailers to fuel at the same time, and the station features Trillium CNG’s proprietary fast-fill hydraulic intensifier compressor.

A grand opening will be held at the Stationstore on Monday, June 20. The event will feature speakers from the Clean Cities Coalition, Holiday, Trillium CNG and CenterPoint Energy and will also include a CNG fueling demonstration, equipment tour and open house.

 

McNeilus and Agility Join Forces to Provide CNG Solution

June 6, 2016

McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing and Agility Fuel Systems have formed a strategic alliance to deliver a comprehensive natural gas solution for North American heavy-duty fleets. The announcement was made at WasteExpo 2016 in Las Vegas.

“Pairing Agility’s design and manufacturing expertise with our extensive installation, parts distribution and service capabilities creates a product and support system for natural gas fleets that is unmatched in the industry,” said Brad Nelson, Oshkosh Corporation’s senior vice president and president of the Commercial Business Segment.

McNeilus and Agility will integrate their sales and aftermarket support and distribution networks to further enhance the end-user experience. Customers can have services performed and obtain replacement parts for their natural gas fuel systems through McNeilus’ national network of factory owned branches and service centers. Additionally, Agility’s strategic partnership with Cummins will provide an optimally integrated engine and fuel system with performance enhancements, diagnostics improvements and telematics services.

“We’re excited to partner with McNeilus and leverage its nationwide sales force and best-in-class service and support network to provide even more value to our natural gas customers,” said Kathleen Ligocki, CEO at Agility Fuel Systems.”

 

Momentum Fuel Technologies Debuts New Roof-Mount Configurations

June 6, 2016

Momentum Fuel Technologies introduces two roof-mount configurations specially designed for the refuse industry to its line of CNG fuel system solutions for Class 6 to Class 8 trucks. The roof-mount system is available in both four-tank 70 DGE and five-tank 87 DGE configurations.

“We are also excited to announce that we will work with McNeilus and other refuse body manufacturers to ensure the entire line of Momentum CNG fuel systems is integrated with refuse bodies and a wide variety of other truck bodies to meet the needs of our waste customers,” says Mike Zimmerman, general manager at Momentum Fuel Technologies.

The system is fabricated with high-strength steel and lightweight aluminum, and the tanks are made of 3M nanoparticle-enhanced matrix resin technology. The system’s fuel management module (FMM) houses the electronics, fuel filter and fuel-fill receptacles and is conveniently located where the driver fuels the truck. The compact design incorporates Parker O-ring fittings, gauges, fill ports and valves with a simplified filter access through the bottom of the module. The FMM works in conjunction with the RushCare telematics platform, allowing fleet managers to monitor their usage stats and better manage their fuel consumption.

The design of the nose of the roof-mount system incorporates three separate alloy steel pieces to protect the CNG system from potential damage. If damage to the nose does occur, it is possible to replace one or more segments, rather than the entire nose. New and replacement parts for these systems are manufactured in-house by Momentum Fuel Technologies.

 

Kansas Gas Service Announces Natural Gas Vehicle Rebate Program

June 7, 2016

Kansas Gas Service, a division of ONE Gas, has started a CNG Rebate Program for its customers to promote the use of CNG as a transportation fuel in Kansas. Through the new program, Kansas Gas Service customers can receive a $1,000 rebate for the cost of converting or purchasing a dedicated or bi-fuel natural gas vehicle. This pilot program will be supported through a limited fund of $167,000, made possible by the Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition.

“This rebate program is a great way to help our customers who want to take advantage of an environmentally friendly and cost-effective transportation fuel alternative,” said Greg Phillips, ONE Gas vice president of commercial activities. “We are pleased to partner with the Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition in this important program.”

The CNG Rebate Program will go into effect for vehicle purchases or conversions made on or after February 2, 2016. Rebates will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, until program funds are exhausted.

Visit the Kansas Gas Service website for a rebate application and complete program terms and conditions.

 

Dover to Acquire Wayne Fueling Systems

June 9, 2016

Dover has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wayne Fueling Systems, which is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and owned by Riverstone Holdings, for $780 million in cash. Wayne is a global provider of fuel dispensing, payment, systems and aftermarket services for retail and commercial fuel stations. Through its global network of distributors and service partners, Wayne’s products are sold and supported in over 140 countries.

“Wayne’s product line fits perfectly with OPW and Tokheim, particularly Wayne’s US dispenser, payment and systems businesses,” said Robert A. Livingston, President & CEO of Dover. “Together, the collective business will offer an end-to-end solution that will benefit our customers in the growing global retail fueling market.”

The transaction, which is expected to close in the second half of 2016, is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals. Annual revenue for Wayne in 2016 is estimated to be approximately $550 million.

 

Marine Companies Join Forces to Advance LNG-Fueled Vessels
June 7, 2016

ABS, a provider of classification services to the global marine and offshore industries, has teamed up with partners Arista Shipping, Deltamarin, GTT and Wärtsilä in the “Project Forward” joint development project (JDP) to develop a dry bulk carrier concept that employs LNG as fuel.

The goal is to develop a Kamsarmax bulk carrier design to be the first of this type suitable for worldwide services powered by LNG in compliance with stringent environmental standards, including the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Design Index 2025 standards, NOx Tier III and Marpol Annex VI SOx emission levels. This design will be the first LNG-fueled cargoship capable of full-range operations.

“The long-term potential for LNG as a marine fuel is tremendous,” says ABS Vice President of Global Gas Solutions Patrick Janssens. “We see the near-term opportunities for larger vessels on fixed and known trade routes, but more opportunities will emerge as concepts mature and bunkering infrastructure expands.”

Technical challenges in developing this design were considerable, as there is a need to carry a large volume of LNG, which corresponds to full-range operation and 40 days, in a type of ship where available space is limited and cargo space is at a premium.

ABS will provide Approval in Principle for the concept, using a GTT membrane LNG fuel tank. This design also could be applied to other bulk carrier sizes and serve as the basis for an LNG-fueled tanker. The concept features a Wärtsilä four-stroke, medium-speed engine without auxiliary generators, the first time this configuration has been applied to a vessel of this type, significantly simplifying the vessel’s engine room arrangement and contributing to lower costs.