NGVAmerica News Week in Review: October 12, 2015

 

• CWI ISL-G Natural Gas Engine Certified to Near Zero Emissions
• NGVAmerica Speaks at North American Gas Forum
• 2015 CH4 Connections Conference Includes Panel Discussion on Benefits of NGVs
• Success Story: The City of Grand Junction
• First-of-Its-Kind CNG-PHEV Class-4 Truck Introduced
• Crown Clean Fuels Break Ground on CNG Station in Indiana
• CNG Station Opens in California’s Silicon Valley
• APG’s Dual Fuel Technology Selected for Off-Highway Pilot Program
• Hexagon Composites Secures Supply Agreement with MAN Truck & Bus in Europe
• Westport and Gazprom Sign Agreement for NGV Systems in Russia

 

CWI ISL-G Natural Gas Engine Certified to Near Zero Emissions

October 5, 2015

Cummins Westport (CWI) announced the new ISL G Near Zero (NZ) NOx natural gas engine has received emission certifications from both U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) that meet the 0.02 g/bhp-hr optional Near Zero NOx Emissions standards for medium-duty truck, urban bus, school bus and refuse applications.

Cummins Westport ISL G NZ exhaust emissions will be 90 percent lower than the current EPA NOx limit of 0.2 g/bhp-hr and also meet the 2017 EPA greenhouse gas emission requirements. CWI natural gas engines have met the 2010 EPA standard for particulate matter (0.01 g/bhp-hr) since 2001.

Since it was first introduced in 2007, the ISL G 8.9 liter engine has been a leading engine for transit buses, refuse trucks and urban delivery trucks.  ISL G NZ meets the CARB certification 8 years in advance of the 2023 California Near Zero NOx schedule contributing to California Clean Air initiatives.  CARB has defined this certified Near Zero emission level as equivalent to a 100 percent battery truck using electricity from a modern combined cycle natural gas power plant.

“This, combined with the reliability and operating improvements on the base ISL G engine, puts CWI natural gas engines at the forefront of cost-effective and dependable emission reduction strategies in transit, medium-duty truck and refuse applications,” said Rob Neitzke, President of Cummins Westport.

In addition to the 90 percent reduction in NOx, the ISL G NZ will feature Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) reducing engine related methane emissions by 70 percent. Emissions are further lowered by using the maintenance-free Three Way Catalyst (TWC) aftertreatment system.

“In Southern California, clean, zero- and near-zero emission vehicle technologies are critical to meeting clean air standards,” said Barry Wallerstein, executive officer for the South Coast Air Quality Management District. “Cummins Westport’s new engine provides an important tool toward reaching that goal.”

Production of the ISL G NZ is expected to begin in April 2016 and the engine will be made available as a first fit engine with transit and refuse OEMs, and as an engine replacement for existing ISL G vehicles. Performance and efficiency will match the current ISL G, with engine ratings from 250-320 horsepower, and 660-1,000 lb-ft torque available.

 

NGVAmerica Speaks at North American Gas Forum

October 12, 2015

On Tuesday, NGVAmerica President Matt Godlewski joined Andrew Littlefair, President & CEO of Clean Energy, and Jim Bruce, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for UPS, on a panel discussion at the North American Gas Forum held in Washington, DC October 4 – 6. The panel addressed the latest developments in the natural gas vehicle marketplace.  Littlefair discussed the value proposition of natural gas as a transportation fuel and new high-horsepower projects underway in the marine and rail sectors that are using large volumes of LNG.  Bruce focused on UPS’ commitment to using alternative fuels and how natural gas is at the heart of this commitment.  Godlewski explained NGVAmerica’s role within the industry and NGVAmerica’s work on state and federal policy initiatives that are critical in supporting a strong industry. The panel discussion was well received by forum participants, who spanned across all aspects of the natural gas industry.

For more information on the North American Gas Forum, visit the forum website here.

 

2015 CH4 Connections Conference Includes Panel Discussion on Benefits of NGVs

October 12, 2015

On Wednesday, NGVAmerica’s Jeff Clarke participated on a panel with AGA’s Dr. Kathryn Clay, GNA’s Patrick Couch, and HARC’s Dr. Yiqun Huang.  Jeff Clarke presented information on the greenhouse gas and other emissions benefits of NGVs.  The conference was sponsored by GTI and the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC).  NGVAmerica’s presentation included details on Cummins Westport’s recent certification of the ISLG 8.9 liter and ISB 6.7 liter engines, both of which have been certified to extremely low emissions levels for nitrogen oxides (NOx).  In the case of the ISLG 8.9 liter, the engine provides about 95 percent reduction in NOx emissions over its diesel counterpart. Jeff Clarke also presented recent greenhouse gas figures released by California as part of the rulemaking to reauthorize the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.  Dr. Clay addressed on the policy considerations and benefits of using natural gas, emphasizing the growing resource base here in the U.S.  Patrick Couch focused on opportunities for reducing emissions at natural gas fueling stations, and also the significant environmental benefits of combining renewable natural gas and low-NOx natural gas engines.  Dr. Huang presented data on dual-fuel engines used by natural gas producers to support drilling sites.  The presentation indicated some dual-fuel engines should be better optimized and equipped with after-treatment to lower emissions.

 

Success Story: The City of Grand Junction

October 12, 2015

Since 2010, the City of Grand Junction, Colorado, has been a leader and pioneer in the natural gas vehicle industry when the city began purchasing their first natural gas refuse trucks. The city has since incorporated 37 NGVs into their fleet of 640 vehicles across transit, shuttle, snow plow, and other municipal applications. In addition to building one of the first government natural gas fleets in the state, Grand Junction also installed its own public fueling station to make natural gas fuel available to the surrounding community to encourage others in converting their fleets or personal vehicles to the cleaner-burning fuel.

In April 2015, the city finished a $2.8 million project with BioCNG to convert the Persigo Wastewater Treatment Plant to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) for their fleet, and they built a six mile pipeline to transport the gas to their existing fueling station. RNG is recognized as the best option for reducing vehicle emissions and improving local air quality, as it has a lifecycle emissions reduction of 90 percent or greater. Also, RNG is better than domestic—it’s local.

The wastewater facility, which only produces 500 DGEs/day of gas, is enough to provide most of the city’s natural gas fuel needs and to provide significant environmental and economic benefits. The facility is expected to displace 146,000 gallons of petroleum fuels and reduce carbon emissions by more than 3 million pounds per year. In 2014 taxpayers saved $200,000 in fuel costs, a number which will grow with the use of renewable natural gas. This was the first small-scale wastewater treatment to RNG project in the country and has paved the way for other municipal fleets to do the same.

“The Persigo BioCNG Project can serve as a model for other communities as part of a strategy to address air quality, climate change, energy efficiency, and energy security and independence,” said Grand Junction Mayor XX Norris.

For its successful NGV program, the City of Grand Junction was a recipient of the 2015 NGV Achievement Awards, which were presented in Denver, Colorado, on September 15 as part of the 2015 North American NGV Conference & Expo. To watch the award presentation video for Grand Junction, click here.

 

First-of-Its-Kind CNG-PHEV Class-4 Truck Introduced

October 06, 2015

Efficient Drivetrains (EDI), a leader in hybrid and electric drivetrains, announced a CNG and plug-in hybrid electric Class-4 logistics truck, featuring EDI’s drivetrain technology and vehicle control software. The EDI team integrated the optimized EDI-Drive into a Greenkraft 14,500-pound class-4 medium-duty CNG truck.

The truck was officially unveiled at a voice of the customer event hosted by CALSTART at the Southern California Gas Energy Resource Center on October 6. CALSTART developed the Voice of the Customer (VOC) event for EDI, with funding from the Southern California Gas Company.

Designed to give the manufacturer and supplier guidance on the powertrain concept, the VOC event and ride and drive will provide crucial user input. Before the vehicle’s unveiling, CALSTART surveyed more than 30 fleets to develop the event’s agenda. After the event, CALSTART will manage on-road emissions and fuel economy testing of the truck. Additionally, the organization will issue follow-up user surveys to solicit helpful feedback, further accelerating the commercialization process.

 

Crown Clean Fuels Break Ground on CNG Station in Indiana

October 6, 2015

Crown Clean Fuels recently began construction on their publicly accessible CNG station at the Crown Business Park in Clay County, Indiana. Crown Clean Fuels is the anchor tenant of the newly developed Business Park, which is located off of Exit 23 on I-70.

“We are very excited about the opportunity this station and its location provides us as the first in a planned network of CNG stations,” said Kris Kyler, Crown Clean Fuels Spokesperson. “This location fills a CNG fueling gap on I70, from St. Louis to Indianapolis, giving CNG fleet and passenger vehicle operators an added level of comfort as they traverse across the Midwest.”

While the initial phase will include two fast fill lanes, the overall station design includes an additional four fast fill fueling lanes, allowing for expansion as their customer base grows. These lanes are all designed to provide operators with maneuverability of 67’ WB class 8 trucks, with concrete pavement approaches to and from the fueling lanes. Furthermore, the station layout is designed to accommodate fleets needing to swap trailers following fueling on CNG.

HP Legacy, an Indianapolis based engineering firm, is the design/build contractor serving Crown Clean Fuels project. Station will be operational in January, of 2016 and will accept all major credit cards.

 

CNG Station Opens in California’s Silicon Valley

October 9, 2015

Santa Clara County in California has set aggressive goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions that would reduce the government’s greenhouse gas emission by 80 percent before 2050 to reduce its carbon footprint.  Today, the County of Santa Clara cut the ribbon for its new CNG fueling station at its Fleet Division on Junction Road in San Jose. The project is a public-private partnership between the County and Trillium CNG, with offset funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC).

The County has entered in to a concessionaire agreement with Trillium for the management and operation of the fueling station, including fuel prices and collecting station revenues.  In exchange, Trillium will compensate the County a flat fee of $3,000 per month for the term of the contract, plus $0.25 per GGE of CNG dispensed.  Although total revenue will depend on the amount of CNG dispensed, the County estimates the revenue from concession payments would total $87,000 per year.  Additionally, this CNG fueling station will help the County to achieve at least 25 percent of its fleet as alternative fuel vehicles, saving at least $1.25 per gasoline gallon equivalent.  The County expects to save a minimum of $7,500 per year in fuel costs within the first year of operation.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Community Air Risk Evaluation Program and further studies have shown that Santa Clara County has several high risk pollution corridors that are adjacent to communities.  With the new CNG fueling station and a growing fleet of CNG vehicles, the County will be able to reduce harmful emissions from its vehicles.  At the same time, the station will also provide a reliable, local source of CNG for both the County and the public.

The total project cost is $1,512,800, partially offset by a $300,000 reimbursement from a CEC grant. The California Energy Commission has provided a $300,000 grant towards the costs of the station, part of the $97 million for development and deployment of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles and fueling stations statewide. The grant came through the Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Transportation Program (ARFVTP).

 

APG’s Dual Fuel Technology Selected for Off-Highway Pilot Program

October 05, 2015

American Power Group has been selected by Go Freedom Fuel to provide APG’s Turbocharged Natural Gas Dual Fuel Systems in conjunction with a Go Freedom Pilot Program focusing on the quarries and mines of Northeast Oklahoma. Eight APG V5000 systems will be purchased and installed on Go Freedom customer vehicles with previously approved EPA engine families and two APG V5000 systems will be installed on a large CAT Off-Highway quarry truck and a CAT wheel loader after APG’s EPA Test Exemption Application has been approved

“The off-highway segment of loaders and heavy haul trucks in the quarry and open pit mining industries is in need of a viable alternative fuel solution to reduce their diesel consumption,” said Go Freedom’s principals, Bridger Kucinski and Joe Barnts. “With numerous off-highway opportunities, we are happy to announce our selection and utilization of APG’s dual fuel technology in our pilot program and look forward to the launch this coming month.”

 

Hexagon Composites Secures Supply Agreement with MAN Truck & Bus in Europe

October 6, 2015

Hexagon Composites’ wholly owned subsidiary Hexagon Bus Systems has secured a nomination by MAN Truck & Bus AG for the continued supply of CNG fuel systems. Hexagon Composites is currently the Supplier of Choice, and this agreement would extend that for another ten years.

“Since teaming up, our companies have brought valuable product development to the marketplace,” said Milosz Szymaniak, Global Sales Manager of Hexagon Bus Systems. “We look forward to future innovations and success.”

The bus systems are built at Hexagon Composites’ Raufoss Norway facility and are fitted with tanks built at its Lincoln Nebraska facility.

 

Westport and Gazprom Sign Agreement for NGV Systems in Russia

October 8, 2015

Westport Innovations and Gazprom of Russia have signed a market development agreement focused on expanding the use of natural gas vehicles in Russia and the localization of manufacturing of Westport’s Emer brand natural gas products. At the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum, the two parties signed a roadmap outlining their planned market development activities.

Gazprom has 200 existing CNG stations, with plans to invest in existing station upgrades and new station construction to meet a target of about 500 fueling stations by 2020. Thirty-one regions in Russia have been selected for investment projects promoting the use of natural gas as a vehicle fuel.

“Gazprom is investing in initiatives to accelerate growth of the natural gas vehicle market in Russia due to strong demand for emissions compliance,” says Mikhail Likhachev, Director General of Gazprom Gazomotornoye Toplivo. “We are working with Emer, a Westport company, for its expertise in natural gas vehicle components and market development.”