NGVAmerica News Week in Review: January 2, 2018

• EPA and CARB Certify Natural Gas Engines as Among Cleanest in World
• Natural Gas and Propane Vehicle Users Urge Congress to Extend Alternative Fuel Tax Credits
• British Columbia Community Adds CNG Buses with New Flyer
• New Flyer Helps Arlington Transit Expand Low-Emission Fleet with New CNG Buses
• Port Tampa Partners to Construct CNG Fueling Station
• Canadian Community Implements Closed-Loop Renewable Natural Gas System
• Expandable, Portable Modular CNG Fueling System Available from CMD
• Westport Fuel Systems Secures $20 Million for HPDI 2.0 Program
• Westport Fuel Systems Signs MOU with Weichai Power in China

 

EPA and CARB Certify Natural Gas Engines as Among Cleanest in World

December 21, 2017

NGVAmerica today heralded news that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have certified the 2018 Cummins Westport (CWI) L9N and B6.7N natural gas engines for emissions standards.  Both engines meet CARB optional Low NOx emission standards, as well as current EPA greenhouse gas emission (GHG) requirements, making them among the cleanest engines available today for truck and bus vehicle use.

“These certifications confirm that natural gas is among the cleanest commercially-available transportation options,” said NGVAmerica President Daniel Gage.  “Unlike electric or hydrogen technologies still years away from deployment, this 6.7 and 9 liter clean technology is ready-right-now.  No other pure power technology can match the availability, capability and cost effectiveness of these Zero Emission Equivalent natural gas-fueled products.”

The L9N is certified to the CARB optional Low NOx standard of 0.02 g/bhp-hr ‒ a 90 percent reduction from engines operating at the current EPA NOx limit of 0.2 g/bhp-hr. The L9N offers ratings from 250 – 320 hp and 1,000 lb-ft peak torque, making it ideal for transit, shuttle and school bus, as well as medium-duty truck and refuse applications.

The B6.7N is certified to the CARB optional Low NOx standard of 0.1 g/bhp-hr – a 50 percent reduction from current EPA levels. Available with ratings from 200 – 240 hp and 560 lb-ft peak torque, the B6.7N is a great fit for school bus, shuttle, and medium-duty truck applications.

These new engines build upon the experience gained from over 80,000 Cummins Westport engines currently in service and provide a present-day solution to urban air quality issues. In addition to ultra low emissions, the L9N and B6.7N feature a new engine control module with improved durability, on-board diagnostic (“OBD”) capability, an enhanced maintenance-free three-way catalyst, and a closed crankcase ventilation system.

All CWI engines can be fueled using compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG), and when renewable natural gas (RNG) from landfill, waste treatment, or agricultural biodigesters is used, significant additional GHG reductions are achieved.

For 2018, the L9N and B6.7N will be available as a first-fit option from leading bus and truck manufacturers. Cummins Westport will also introduce the 12 liter ISX12N natural gas engine as a first-fit option, which like the L9N, will meet the Optional Low NOx emissions level of 0.02 g/bhp-hr. Production of all three engines will begin in the first quarter of 2018.

Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) have long been the choice of fleet managers interested in escaping the volatility of ever-changing gasoline and diesel prices.  NGVs are powered by American fuel, American technology, and American innovation.  Vehicles powered by these new engines have the cleanest emissions profile of any fuel on the market today, and NGVs make a difference through a variety of applications – trucks, trash, transit, marine and rail.  No commercially-available heavy-duty powertrain solution today runs cleaner than natural gas.

 

Natural Gas and Propane Vehicle Users Urge Congress to Extend Alternative Fuel Tax Credits

December 19, 2017

More than 300 organizations representing users, retailers, customers, fleet managers, utilities, and producers of clean alternative fuels, including natural gas and propane, are circulating a letter on Capitol Hill urging Congress to reinstate the $0.50/gallon alternative fuels tax credit (AFTC).

Noting the importance of private-sector investment to America’s economy, the letter states, “Extending the AFTC promotes increased private-sector investment in infrastructure and equipment, which leads to more jobs and economic output.” Increased utilization of alternative transportation fuels results in proven environmental benefits and helps promote America’s energy security.

Fueling with natural gas greatly reduces smog precursor NOx, CO2, and greenhouse gas emissions. Benefits are even amplified when fueled with renewable natural gas from captured landfill, waste treatment, and agricultural biogas.

“Natural gas vehicles have long been the choice of fleet managers interested in escaping the volatility of ever-changing gasoline and diesel prices,” said Daniel Gage, NGVAmerica’s President. “NGVs are powered by American fuel, American technology, and American innovation. Among the cleanest emissions profile of any fuel on the market today, NGVs make a clean air difference through a variety of applications – trucks, trash, transit, marine and rail.”

Nearly 200,000 vehicles in the United States are powered by propane, including 12,000 school buses that transport more than 700,000 school children every day. A school bus powered by propane emits 13 percent fewer GHG emissions than its gasoline counterpart.

The letter asks Congress to extend the AFTC for two years, highlighting the business planning benefits and notes that a full five-year extension would provide business certainty combined with a significant contribution to America’s economic growth.

The letter can be viewed here.

 

British Columbia Community Adds CNG Buses with New Flyer

December 20, 2017

New Flyer Industries Canada, the Canadian subsidiary of New Flyer Industries, congratulated Whistler Transit on the delivery of 25 CNG forty-foot, heavy duty transit buses to the community of Whistler, British Columbia through BC Transit.

The event, which took place at the Whistler Transit Office, celebrated the arrival of new CNG buses and pending completion of a CNG fueling station. It welcomed representatives from BC Transit, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and FortisBC.

“This project is a result of partnerships with all three levels of government and FortisBC to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of transit in Whistler,” said Manuel Achadinha, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer. “I look forward to seeing the New Flyer CNG buses on the road connecting people and communities in Whistler.”

The purchase, supporting scheduled vehicle replacement, also builds sustainability in transportation as mandated by BC Transit’s Strategic Plan 2030. BC Transit provides services to over 130 communities across British Columbia in collaboration with local government partners, and transports 52.3 million passengers annually.

 

New Flyer Helps Arlington Transit Expand Low-Emission Fleet with New CNG Buses

December 19, 2017

New Flyer of America announced that Arlington Transit (ART) has awarded New Flyer with a contract for 13 Xcelsior forty-foot, heavy duty transit buses powered by CNG, which will be converted from New Flyer’s option backlog to the firm order backlog.

The order is a new purchase based on a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) contract, and will deliver ART’s first New Flyer transit buses. The contract was produced by an assignment based on intergovernmental reciprocity agreement in the DC area.

“We are thrilled to deliver the first New Flyer buses to Arlington County,” said Wayne Joseph, President, New Flyer of America. “We appreciate the environmentally-conscious approach ART employs in providing public transportation, and are proud to be part of building a low emission community through CNG transit buses.”

 

Port Tampa Partners to Construct CNG Fueling Station

December 21, 2017

Port Tampa Bay has secured a deal with Integral Energy to bring a new fueling station that will include CNG pumps, a convenience store and restaurant. This week, Port Tampa Bay’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the construction.

“Integral Energy’s facility is an exceptional fit for the Port,” said Port Tampa Bay President/CEO Paul Anderson. “Not only do we welcome clean fuel alternatives which are domestically produced, this station will support the thousands of trucks and growing number of service providers at the Port every day.”

The station will be open to both commercial and passenger vehicles, with four CNG pumps designed to service long-haul trucking, as well as plenty of surface parking for drivers wanting to refuel as well.

“As a company based here in Tampa, we couldn’t be happier to partner with the Port of Tampa Bay for this project,” said Anddrikk Frazier, President and CEO of Integral Energy. “This station will allow fleet vehicles to reliably and safely begin to shift to CNG knowing that fuel will be available and convenient. CNG is better for our planet as well as budgets, and we are here to help provide our city with a cleaner and cheaper way to transport goods from our Port.”

 

Canadian Community Implements Closed-Loop Renewable Natural Gas System

January 2, 2018

Renewi, a leading waste-to-product company, has started accepting the first waste at its new Organics Biofuels Processing Facility in Surrey – the first closed-loop and fully-integrated organics waste management system in Canada.

Located in Surrey’s Port Kells industrial area, the closed-loop facility can receive and process up to 115,000 tons of organic waste every year. It will convert the City’s kitchen and yard waste, along with commercial waste from across the region, into renewable biomethane gas that will be used to power the City’s waste collection trucks.

The facility is the largest of its kind in North America with the capacity to process 100 percent of the City’s organic waste over the 25-year contract term, along with commercial organic waste. It will significantly contribute to Metro Vancouver achieving its regional 70 percent waste diversion target.

“Accepting first waste and starting commissioning the facility is an important milestone in this project to operate Canada’s first closed-loop and fully-integrated organics waste management system,” said James Priestley, Managing Director of Renewi’s Municipal Division. “This innovative closed-loop process shows exactly how we bring our ‘waste no more’ vision to life and play a connecting role in the circular economy. We now look forward to continuing to commission the plant and to commencing full service in 2018.”

 

Expandable, Portable Modular CNG Fueling System Available from CMD
December 27, 2017

The CMD 100CGS compact fueling system offers flexible options for small fleets, those requiring fueling portability, and those new to or considering a shift to CNG.

“CMD’s compact fueling system offers a high-performance, affordable entry into CNG,” says Brad Schmoll, Business Development Manager. “Our wrap-around service support and 24/7 station monitoring service are also available with the 100CGS.”

The 100CGS can reduce fuel costs by helping drivers avoid waiting time at public stations, or wasting time and fuel driving to find a station.  Used as a time-fill station, vehicles can be fueled at night, when rates may be lower in addition to reducing labor costs associated with fueling.

The system expands up to 4 compressors for strong fuel delivery, yet in its smallest form, requires only 104 square feet. CMD compact fueling stations can be customized for specific fueling requirements without sacrificing square footage.

CMD CNG Energy Solutions is a division of CMD Corporation, a technology-driven innovator of industrial production equipment for packaging, converting and CNG fueling.  The firm has 38 years designing and building industrial equipment and uses this knowledge and experience to offer a complete array of CNG fueling station equipment, site integration/planning, service and parts.

CMD offers custom and stock machinery, replacement parts, upgrade kits, engineering and service support. The equipment is designed and manufactured at the CMD campus in Appleton, Wisconsin.

 

Westport Fuel Systems Secures $20 Million for HPDI 2.0 Program

December 21, 2017

Westport Fuel Systems and Export Development Canada (EDC) have signed a $20 million secured term loan agreement to support the commercial launch of the Westport High Pressure Direct Injection 2.0 program.

“Westport Fuel Systems has the proven technology, leadership, and innovative mindset to be a global champion in the cleantech sector and we are happy to help them scale their new Westport™ HPDI 2.0 product internationally,” said Mark Senn, Director of EDC’s Cleantech Team. “Canada has ambitious goals to combat global climate change and providing this financing to Westport Fuel Systems is one way EDC can contribute to those goals, while also supporting the growth of an innovative Canadian company.”

EDC is Canada’s export credit agency, providing financing, insurance, bonding, trade knowledge, and connections to support Canadian companies sell and invest abroad.

 

Westport Fuel Systems Signs MOU with Weichai Power in China

December 22, 2017

Westport Fuel Systems has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Weichai Power at a signing ceremony hosted by Mr. Tan Xuguang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Weichai Holding Group in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. This MOU sets the framework for finalizing the development, marketing, and commercialization of the Westport high pressure direct injection technology in China.

The MOU states that Westport Fuel Systems will provide support for the Westport HPDI development activities to meet China VI emissions standards and will supply certain components.

The parties are expected to enter into a definitive agreement in early 2018.