NGVAmerica News Week in Review: April 27, 2015

• The 2015 North American NGV Conference & Expo Website Now Live
• Georgia Regulatory Agency Proposes Rules for Alternative Fuel Tax Credits
• Americans Drove 221.1 Billion Miles in February
• Omnitek Receives EPA Approval for Caterpillar C15 Engine
• BioCNG Completes Wastewater to CNG Project in Colorado
• Trillium and Penske Open CNG Station in Pennsylvania
• amp Trillium Breaks Ground on CNG Station in Georgia
• NG Advantage to Provide CNG via “Virtual Pipeline” in New York
• Westport Parts + Service Debuts at Automechanika in Chicago
• CNG Source Launching New Line of Dispensers
• Xebec Grows Its Natural Gas Business
• Westport Partners with Allied Specialty Vehicles
• World’s First LNG-Powered Containership Launches for TOTE

The 2015 North American NGV Conference & Expo Website Now Live
The 2015 North American NGV Conference & Expo website can be viewed at www.ngvshow.com. The expo floor plan, sponsorship and exhibition prospectus, “schedule-at-a-glance” and registration pricing are now available.

Sponsorship opportunities and exhibit sales will commence next week on Tuesday, May 5. Sales Representative Sebastien David from CWC, our conference management partner, will be contacting industry prospects beginning with membership. NGVAmerica members will be given an opportunity to commit to exhibiting on the expo floor before non-members, and booth space preferences will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis.

While sales efforts are beginning shortly, attention has also been focused on the plenary and break-out sessions. CWC and NGVAmerica staff have interviewed many high-level industry leaders to determine the most compelling and relevant subject matter for educational content. Over 30 topics have been identified for consideration thus far, and a detailed schedule will be presented once the best subjects have been determined. Future announcements will also detail individual items outlined in the program schedule like “Inside Track: Meet the Vendors” which is a newly-created event similar to the very successful Peer Exchange done in past years. Energy is also being invested in creating marketing strategies to attract fleet management and fuel retailers, among other show attendee groups within the industry.

Every effort is being made to make The 2015 North American NGV Conference & Expo at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado, on September 15–17 the best NGV-centric event in the industry. Please follow NGVAmerica News and read your emails as more announcements will be made soon, as well as over the course of the next five months. For more information, contact Tom Sheehan at 207.925.1136 or tsheehan@www.ngvamerica.org. Sebastien David can be contacted at ngv@thecwcgroup.com.

Georgia Regulatory Agency Proposes Rules for Alternative Fuel Tax Credits
On April 23, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued proposed rules clarifying the process by which manufacturers and owners of alternative fuel vehicles may demonstrate that they qualify for tax credits enacted last year as part of House Bill 348. The rules cover commercial medium and heavy duty vehicles and extend to new original equipment manufactured (OEM) vehicles as well as conversions. Under the proposed rules, vehicles powered by natural gas, electricity, propane or hydrogen qualify so long as they are solely powered by an alternative fuel in the case of medium duty vehicles (defined as 8,500 lbs. – 26,000 lbs. GVWR), or primarily powered by an alternative fuel (90 percent or more) in the case of heavy duty vehicles, and they have been certified to low-, ultra-low or zero emission standards. Proof of certification to U.S. EPA emission standards is required.

The new tax credits are available for vehicles purchased or converted after July 1, 2015 and before June 30, 2017. Medium duty vehicles qualify for a maximum credit of $12,000 while heavy duty vehicles qualify for a maximum credit of $20,000. Persons or businesses applying for tax credits are limited to $250,000 per year. Available credits are also subject to an overall annual limit of $2.5 million.

The notice indicates that for new vehicle applications for approval of certificates for tax credits may be submitted by the owner or a dealer. For conversions, applications for tax credit certificates are to be filed by the owner of the vehicle.

The Environmental Protection Division of the DNR will hold a public hearing in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 22 to receive comments on the proposal. Written comments also may be submitted until May 29. The DNR Board will consider approval of the proposed regulations at its June 24 meeting. Additional details on this issue are available here.

For more information, contact Jeff Clarke at 202.824.7364 or jclarke@www.ngvamerica.org.

Americans Drove 221.1 Billion Miles in February
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) said Americans drove 221.1 billion miles in February, a 2.8 percent increase from a year earlier and part of a rising demand pattern that underscores the need for greater investment in transportation infrastructure. The new numbers come as Congress is trying to decide whether to push to pass a long-term or short-term reauthorization of the Highway Trust Fund before its highway and transit program authority expires May 31. The FHWA said the February increase in vehicle miles traveled, on top of a bigger year-over-year gain in January, means drivers logged 3.9 percent more miles in the first two months of 2015 than a year earlier. That was also the heaviest February driving volume since the record high in 2004, the agency said, and marked the 12th consecutive month of VMT growth. The figures, which include passenger vehicle, bus and truck travel, are based on vehicle information collected from more than 4,800 continuous-count stations nationwide.

Omnitek Receives EPA Approval for Caterpillar C15 Engine
April 23, 2015

Omnitek Engineering Corp. announced it has received a Certificate of Conformity from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) applicable for diesel-to-natural gas engine conversions of the Caterpillar C15 engine family for model years 1993 to 2006.  The Certificate of Conformity allows engine conversions of the Caterpillar 3406E, C15, C15 ACERT and C16 engine models.

Omnitek will offer 100 percent dyno-tested “drop-in” ready converted engines, configured for quick installation. An assembly line engine remanufacturing / conversion process will assure that engines are in “as new” condition.

As previously announced, Omnitek’s diesel-to-natural gas engine conversion technology was selected under a competitive grant process by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for a pilot project.

BioCNG Completes Wastewater to CNG Project in Colorado
April 22, 2015

A ceremony was held to mark the official completion of the BioCNG Project to carry biogas from the Persigo Wastewater Treatment Plant via an underground pipeline to the City’s Municipal Services Campus where it will be compressed to CNG and used to fuel the City’s fleet of CNG vehicles and County CNG Grand Valley Transit busses. The project was the recipient of a generous grant of $500,000 from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs which was instrumental in moving it forward.

The design and installation of the project was performed by BioCNG, a contractor out of Madison, Wisconsin, that specializes in biogas pipeline projects.

“This is a project that has been in the works for many years and to be the first in the nation to complete something so unique makes us proud,” said Mayor Phyllis Norris “This project will serve as model for future projects across the country.”

The early stages of this project date back to 2003 when the concept of capturing the biomethane gas that was being flared off at Persigo and putting it to practical use was first discussed. Due to the novelty and complexity of the project, significant planning and engineering was necessary to bring the project to fruition.

The project will allow the City and County to fuel CNG vehicles at a reduced rate. As a result of the decreased cost of fueling the fleet, a project payoff is estimated to be realized in approximately eight years.

The ceremony culminated with the toppling of the old flare to mark the transition to the new system.

Trillium and Penske Open CNG Station in Pennsylvania
April 22, 2015

Penske Truck Leasing and Penske Logistics announced it celebrated the opening of a new Trillium CNG fueling station in partnership with Wegmans Food Markets in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. A total of 23 Penske Truck Leasing leased CNG heavy duty trucks will be fueled by Penske Logistics, NFI and Wegmans at this location.

The station is on 1.6 acres and will be open continuously. The separate dual hose dispenser will allow two trucks to fuel simultaneously, and the station features Trillium CNG’s proprietary fast-fill hydraulic intensifier compressor. It accepts all major credit cards and fleet cards.

To accommodate natural gas truck demand, Penske Truck Leasing modified its nearby Highridge Business Park facility so that each of its four truck maintenance bays can service natural gas vehicles.

Gladstein Neandross and Associates (GNA) secured 2014 Commonwealth grants in Schuylkill County, including:

Penske Truck Leasing: $499,997 in ACT 13 funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (Natural Gas Energy Development Program), to subsidize the purchase of 23 Freightliner Cascadia tractors equipped with Cummins Westport 12L engines. NFI is operating 15 of the tractors, while Penske Logistics is making use of five units, and Wegmans is running three trucks.

Trillium CNG: $824,000 via the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (Alternative Clean Energy Program) to subsidize the construction of their fueling station.

“Today is an excellent example of how several organizations can work together and create a success story for the transportation industry to transition to alternative fuels,” stated Drew Cullen, Penske Senior Vice President of Fuels and Facilities Services. “We appreciate the opportunity to take a lead role in making this day a reality.”

amp Trillium Breaks Ground on CNG Station in Georgia
Apr 21, 2015

amp Trillium, the joint venture between ampCNG and Trillium CNG, announced that construction is now underway on the first CNG station in Dalton, Georgia. The station is located on I-75 and will accommodate all NGVs, including Class-8 trucks, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Featuring Trillium CNG’s proprietary fast-fill hydraulic intensifier compressor (HY-C), this new location will enable three Class 8 trucks to fuel simultaneously at ten DGEs per minute.

“Given Dalton’s proximity to I-75 and the high volume of trucks stopping in Whitfield County to refuel, this CNG station is a welcome addition to our community’s trucking infrastructure,” said Brian Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce.

The station marks ampCNG’s second CNG station in Georgia. In March 2014, the company opened a station in Perry, Georgia, to serve Frito-Lay’s fleet. ampCNG currently owns and operates 19 CNG stations nationwide, and plans to open several additional stations throughout the year.

NG Advantage to Provide CNG via “Virtual Pipeline” in New York
April 22, 2015

NG Advantage, a Clean Energy company, has signed a contract to work with International Paper to deliver CNG to International Paper’s mill in Ticonderoga, New York.

NG Advantage will deliver CNG to the mill using its Virtual Pipeline which consists of compressor stations located on natural gas pipelines, a fleet of specially designed carbon fiber CNG trailers, and off-loading and monitoring equipment which NG Advantage is installing at the mill. Deliveries will begin in May of 2015.

International Paper initially awarded this contract to NG Advantage in order to begin using natural gas prior to the completion of a planned natural gas pipeline. However, as previously announced, International Paper decided to cancel the pipeline project for cost reasons.

The company has issued a new RFP for a long term trucked-CNG contract, starting when the current contract with NG Advantage ends. NG Advantage is a bidder for the long term contract as well.

Westport Parts + Service Debuts at Automechanika in Chicago

Westport Parts + Service—a new division of Westport Innovations—is launching this week at Automechanika in Chicago. Automechanika Chicago is the largest tradeshow and training event for the Automotive Aftermarket industry.

Westport Parts + Service also announced the opportunity for distributors to join with its key partners in delivering reliable, accessible original engine (OE) quality parts and service to the North American NGV market.

Westport Parts specializes in OE quality parts to the on-highway truck market including medium duty, heavy duty and light truck and the off-highway market for natural gas vehicles. Westport Service provides a network of certified natural gas facilities to install, service and repair NGVs with class-leading service and customer support, including technical training and 24/7 hotlines.

For more information on becoming part of the Westport Parts + Service network, contact parts-service@westport.com or at 888.978.4734.

CNG Source Launching New Line of Dispensers
April 21, 2015

CNG Source, a provider of CNG solutions for stations builders and commercial fleets, announced it is launching a new line of TRIUMPH branded dispensers. These dispensers use the latest technologies to facilitate user experience and increase efficiency.

TRIUMPH dispensers feature tank-sense technology, remote status and configuration, upgrade potential, high flow and a 10-inch display. Users benefit from on-screen information that shows among others, gallons dispensed, pressure at the hose and fill percentage. The product is already NTEP certified, with ANSI NGV 4.1 and the UL certification to be complemented later this year.

CNG Source’s equipment is the culmination of many years of work, data gathering and user experience analysis. It completes CNG Source’s portfolio of CNG equipment and solutions for the NGV segment.

This new equipment is compatible with most card readers and payment systems, as well as with most professional grade CNG setups. It will be offered in the U.S. and Mexico as part of CNG Source’s solutions, as well as worldwide through distributors specializing in equipment for CNG Stations and commercial fleets.

Westport Partners with Allied Specialty Vehicles
April 23, 2015

Allied Specialty Vehicles (ASV), a manufacturer of motor vehicles for commercial, fire and emergency and recreation markets, entered into an exclusive partnership with Westport. The partnership expands the availability of the CNG Westport WiNG Power System, currently offered as an option on ASV’s Type A school buses manufactured by Collins Bus, to the company’s commercial bus, emergency and other vehicle products.

“Our customers are demanding environmentally friendly vehicles powered by clean alternative fuel systems that reduce carbon emissions,” said Tim Sullivan, ASV president and CEO.

The Westport WiNG Power System is a dedicated natural gas fuel system for light-duty specialty vehicles built on Ford truck chassis and backed by a Ford Factory 3-year / 36,000-mile engine and powertrain warranty. Westport also conducts OEM approved safety testing, including simulations and physical crash testing that meets or exceeds OEM and U.S. federal safety standards.

Westport WiNG Power Systems are primarily installed in Dallas. However, the systems will be transitioned to ASV factory-certified installations to increase vehicle manufacturing efficiency.

Xebec Grows Its Natural Gas Business
Apr 22, 2015

Xebec Adsorption, a provider of gas purification and filtration solutions for the natural gas, field gas, biogas, helium, and hydrogen markets, announced that its natural gas dryer business has increased by 49.2 percent in 2014.

In 2014, Xebec achieved the highest sales revenue for natural gas dryers in its corporate history. The worldwide market for natural gas vehicles and the associated build-out of natural gas refueling infrastructure has been driving Xebec’s growth in this segment. The increase is expected to continue in the coming years, as natural gas replaces diesel and gasoline as a cleaner and less expensive transportation fuel in many parts of the world.

World’s First LNG-Powered Containership Launches for TOTE
April 20, 2015

General Dynamics NASSCO has launched the world’s first LNG-powered containership at a ceremony at the company’s shipyard in San Diego. The ship’s name, Isla Bella, was unveiled during the ceremony. U.S.

As part of a two-ship contract signed in December 2012 with TOTE, the 764-foot-long Marlin class containerships will be the largest dry cargo ships of any kind in the world powered by LNG. This ship technology will dramatically decrease emissions while increasing fuel efficiency as compared to conventionally powered ships. The ships will also include a ballast water treatment system, making them the greenest ships of their size.

Upon delivery in late 2015, the Jones Act-qualified ships will operate between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The christening and launch ceremony also commemorated NASSCO’s 100th ship launch. NASSCO is the only major shipyard on the West Coast of the U.S. conducting new construction and repair.