NGVAmerica News Week in Review: November 7, 2016
- GAIN Clean Fuel Breaks Ground on CNG Station to Support 50 Truck Fleet
- Delaware Relaunches Clean Transportation Incentive Program
- Los Angeles Metro Receives 900th and Final CNG Bus from New Flyer Order
- Agility’s World-Class North Carolina Plant Celebrates Its First Anniversary
- FWHA Unveils National ‘Alternative Fuel’ Network
- Sparq Natural Gas and EZ Go Stores Celebrate Groundbreaking of New CNG Station
- American Power Group Signs Rush Truck Centers for Dual Fuel Expansion
- Canadian Gas Association Announces Natural Gas Innovation Fund
- Wärtsilä Aims to Develop Small Scale LNG Markets with ENGIE
GAIN Clean Fuel Breaks Ground on CNG Station to Support 50 Truck Fleet
November 1, 2016
Express Mondor, U.S. Venture GAIN Clean Fuel Canada and Gaz Métro announced construction has begun on a public CNG station in Lanoraie, Quebec, that will support Express Mondor’s new natural gas fleet that will include 50 trucks. The station will help Express Mondor, a road transport company operating throughout North America, reduce its energy expenses and the environmental impact of its business activities.
Construction work on the new station, which represents an investment of $3.5 million from GAIN Clean Fuel and Express Mondor, has begun and should be complete before the end of 2016. The station will be located along Highway 40, on the north side of Lanoraie’s industrial park. Gaz Métro will supply the station with natural gas.
“We have undertaken to acquire 50 new CNG trucks over the next few years to continue to provide stellar service to our customers across North America while also improving our energy and environmental performance,” says Billy Mondor, vice-president of Business Development at Express Mondor.
Thanks to its CNG-powered trucks, Express Mondor will save considerably on fuel costs and see a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions up to 25 percent with its new trucks. Express Mondor has also updated the visual identity of the trucks with the motto “powered by passion.”
“Gaz Métro is delighted to see the new GAIN Clean Fuel station become the ninth in the Blue Road: a network of public natural gas fueling stations that allows carriers to roll with less emissions while offering advantages in terms of both energy efficiency and pump prices,” said David Vincent, Gaz Métro’s Director of Business Development and Renewable Energy.
Delaware Relaunches Clean Transportation Incentive Program
November 3, 2016
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) revamped Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program is now available and offers adjusted rebates for natural gas fueled vehicles, as well as electric vehicles and charging stations. DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate has extended the program following its success throughout the state since its launch in July 2015. Updated rebate amounts will apply only to vehicles and equipment purchased on or after November 1, 2016.
The new program offers $1500 for natural gas, plug-in hybrid electric, and propane vehicles, as well as $3,500 rebates for most battery electric vehicles. Both individuals and businesses are encouraged to participate in the rebate program.
“When businesses transition to electric and clean fuel vehicles, they reduce operating and maintenance costs,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “When residents can drive from place to place with fewer polluting emissions, Delaware has a healthier and safer environment.”
The Division of Energy & Climate is working with partners throughout the state on projects that will add at least one new public access CNG station in addition to propane and electric charging stations. The new projects bolster the alternative fuel network within Delaware, and Delaware is also working with neighboring states to build a comprehensive alternative fuel network within the region.
The program is made possible through Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a regional market-based emissions cap and trade program. Delaware’s proceeds from RGGI are invested in energy efficiency, renewable energy, emissions reductions programs and programs that benefit energy consumers.
For more information about the Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program, or to download an application, click here.
Los Angeles Metro Receives 900th and Final CNG Bus from New Flyer Order
November 2, 2016
Completing an order of new CNG buses that comprises 40 percent of the current fleet, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) received delivery of the 900th and final New Flyer XN40 bus.
“When Metro awarded a $508 million contract for these buses in January 2013 we knew we were getting the best clean air buses available, but the New Flyer XN40 bus has also proven to be a real work horse for our agency,” said Metro Chair John Fasana.
Metro’s New Flyer buses deliver about 650,000 miles each week and boast the highest reliability in the fleet that numbers 2,248 buses. The New Flyer buses are built in St. Cloud, Minnesota with final assembly at a facility in Ontario, California that was opened in late 2013 and where 50 new employees were hired to support the Metro contract. Buses were delivered from September 2013 through October 2016 with New Flyer performing on-time and on-budget.
“Having a 21st century transportation system means doing everything we can to ease congestion in L.A. County, while continuing to protect our environment,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro First Vice Chair Eric Garcetti. “The delivery of the 900th New Flyer XN40 bus reminds us that we can keep our commitment to cleaner air and healthier communities without sacrificing the quality of our transportation system.”
In July, Metro issued a Request for Proposals for as many as 1,000 more buses.
Agility’s World-Class North Carolina Plant Celebrates Its First Anniversary
November 2, 2016
Agility Fuel Solutions is celebrating one year of production at its state-of-the-art facility in Salisbury, North Carolina. The flagship plant is a $20 million vertically integrated facility that has revolutionized how natural gas fuel systems are manufactured and assembled. The location was identified in January of 2015 and by October of the same year the plant and offices were successfully completed and in operation.
Occupying over 200,000 square feet, it features computer numerically controlled (CNC) laser and metals fabrications technology, and an automated paint shop with both powder and wet-coat capabilities to produce a finish consistent with truck and bus OEM requirements. This facility also features multiple flow-through bays for improved installation on a variety of vehicles and system configurations.
Agility says over 125 unique new fuel system assemblies across the refuse, bus and truck segments have been launched since its opening. Many of these were the largest capacity fuel systems—175 DGEs—in the Company’s history, which use proprietary 27-inch diameter all-composite cylinders in assembly. Achievements also include profitability within four months and an ISO 9001-2015 certification within nine months.
“We are very proud of what we have been able to achieve in such a short amount of time, which is a testament to the skill and dedication of our team and our partners to make this world class facility become a reality,” said Kathleen Ligocki, CEO Agility Fuel Solutions. “This facility offers customer the best quality, cost and technology and we believe that the North Carolina facility will be instrumental in driving adoption of natural gas in the North American market.”
FWHA Unveils National ‘Alternative Fuel’ Network
November 3, 2016
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced 55 routes that will serve as the basis for a national network of “alternative fuel” corridors spanning 35 states. Though the network is nearly 85,000 miles long, more miles will be added in the future to accommodate natural gas, propane, hydrogen, and electric vehicles as additional fueling and charging stations are built.
“Alternative fuels and electric vehicles will play an integral part in the future of America’s transportation system,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “We have a duty to help drivers identify routes that will help them refuel and recharge those vehicles and designating these corridors on our highways is a first step.”
Those corridors designated as “sign-ready,” meaning routes where alternative fuel stations are currently in operation, will be eligible to feature new signs alerting drivers where they can find fuel for their alternative fuel vehicles. These signs are similar to existing signage that alerts drivers to gas stations, food, and lodging. The designation of these corridors fulfills a directive in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. In July, Secretary Foxx called on states to nominate national fueling corridors along major highways. The specific fuels were designated by Congress in the FAST Act.
“This initial designation sets the stage for the next round of nominations early next year and begins a conversation with stakeholders about developing and implementing a vision to enable coast to coast travel using alternative fuels,” said Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau.
The new signs, and a list of the new sign-ready corridors, can be found on the FHWA website.
Sparq Natural Gas and EZ Go Stores Celebrate Groundbreaking of New CNG Station
November 4, 2016
Sparq Natural Gas and EZ GO Stores held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new CNG fueling station at the City of Lawton Public Works Yard in Lawton, Oklahoma. The new station features a private time-fill option for CNG-powered municipal sanitation trucks and a public fast-fill option, built on city-owned property. The companies say that this model enables private companies to work with government stakeholders to bring the cost savings and environmental benefits of CNG to both public and private stakeholders.
The station features two 175 horsepower Bauer compressors, two high-flow heavy-duty nozzles, two light-duty nozzles, and 26 time-fill fueling stalls.
The project represents Sparq’s second ground breaking in the last two months as part of Sparq’s effort to create a statewide network of CNG fueling availability in Oklahoma, and Sparq’s eighth separate strategic investment partnership across the region. EZ GO Stores has successfully developed two CNG locations.
The station is expected to begin operations by the end of the year, and a ceremonial grand opening will be held in the spring of 2017.
American Power Group Signs Rush Truck Centers for Dual Fuel Expansion
November 7, 2016
American Power Group (APG) has signed a multi-year Dual Fuel Dealer/Installer Agreement with Rush Truck Centers to initially cover fourteen states—Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, and Texas. APG has also added Momentum Fuel Technologies’ CNG fueling tanks and systems to APG’s Qualified CNG Tank Program.
“We are pleased to be able to support APG customers at Rush Truck Centers in 14 states,” said W.M. “Rusty” Rush, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Rush Enterprises. “APG’s efforts to grow the CNG market align with our focus on our Momentum CNG Fuel System and other vehicle technologies.”
Rush Truck Centers has made significant investments in expanding the sales and service of natural gas vehicles, and Several Rush Truck Centers locations have already completed installation and service certification training and have completed installations for one of APG’s largest customers in Oklahoma using the Momentum CNG Fuel System. The two companies will focus on the 13L to 15L heavy-haul segment.
Canadian Gas Association Announces Natural Gas Innovation Fund
November 1, 2016
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) announced the intention to create the Natural Gas Innovation Fund (NGIF) to support research, demonstration and deployment of innovation in the natural gas value chain. CGA says investing in innovation in the natural gas sector is essential to create a pathway to greenhouse gas emissions reductions that is both affordable and reliable.
The Natural Gas Innovation Fund will bring utilities, government, academia, incubators, accelerators, and technology developers in the natural gas value chain to support natural gas innovation and reduce emissions, drive energy efficiency, and ensure the availability of affordable energy for customers.
A key priority for the fund will be to find ways to access monies collected from natural gas ratepayers from cap and trade, carbon tax or other emission reduction mechanisms instituted by governments, and direct those monies to the financing of innovation in the use of gas. In this way rate payers will have the levies they pay directed back to them – ensuring the continued availability of clean and affordable energy for their needs.
The Natural Gas Innovation Fund will consider support for a range of investment opportunities including technologies to support natural gas use as a clean and affordable alternative transportation fuel such as high horsepower engines for on and off road transportation, and home refueling compressed natural gas kits. The fund will also consider technologies for the broader use of renewable natural gas (RNG).
“CGA has made innovation a key focus for the last six years with initiatives and investments around the use of our fuel and our infrastructure,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, CGA. “Natural gas is an affordable, clean, safe, and reliable energy choice for Canadian consumers and investments made through this fund will build on the value proposition of that choice.”
Wärtsilä Aims to Develop Small Scale LNG Markets with ENGIE
November 7, 2016
Wärtsilä has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the French multinational energy company ENGIE to develop solutions and services within the small scale LNG business sector. The cooperation covers LNG for ships, LNG distribution in islands and remote areas, LNG to power solutions, and small scale LNG.
Through this partnership, the two companies will share Wärtsilä’s technical expertise and engineering, procurement and construction capabilities, along with ENGIE’s technical expertise, and experience in natural gas distribution and commercialization. Operation and maintenance services will also be offered.
Wärtsilä is currently the EPC contractor for an onshore small scale LNG terminal in Finland, and has successfully delivered several small scale power barges and a biogas liquefaction plant. This MoU is a strong incentive to co-develop technical solutions that would enable both Wärtsilä and ENGIE to expand their small scale LNG businesses.
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