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AltFuels #04 / SEPTEMBER 2017
NGVAFRICA
INCLUDING CNG, LNG AND HYDROGEN European Commission helps boost Czech alternative fuel infrastructure The scheme provides €44.5 million over six years to build public refuelling stations
Central Asia United States MAN announces first compressed Waste operator reaches key milestone natural gas low-floor city bus with 100th CNG station and 6,000 NGVs 2 THE GVR GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September THE GVR AltFuelsAltFuelsGAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September #04 3 magazine SEPTEMBER 2017
Summary
22. MAN announces first CNG low-floor city bus 04. NGV European News for Central Asia 06. The Italian NGV Industry 24. Iran increases natural gas-powered car 07. UK fleets speed up transition to natural gas production and biogas 25. Hyundai launches Xcent NGV version 10. Audi A4 and A5 available in g-tron versions 27. India: LNG-powered vehicles on the horizon running on e-gas 29. Government of India wants to increase 11. First car powered by energy from sewage natural gas share unveiled in Australia 31. South Korean LNG-powered vessel gains 13. Iberia recognition 18. LNG Section 32. Next-gen hydrogen fuel cell model 21. H2 Transport featuring more range
A global voice in the service of ecology and economy, AltFuels Magazine is a publication of AltFuels Communications Group, publishing house and fairs-conferences organizer, whose 34. Waste operator reaches key milestone with website is www.ngvjournal.com. 100th CNG station AltFuels Magazine includes four existing publications: The 37. Transit operators move to NGVs to cut GasVehicles Report, Asian NGV Communications, NGV Journal.US, environmental impact and NGVAfrica.
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biggest in Europe, with just under one million buses, Czech Republic freight trucks, cars and tractors. However, so far, cars have not been allowed to fill them up with biomethane. “If the The European Commission has found Czech plans to legislation allowed it,” said CIB‘s Chairman and NGV Italy support the creation of a refuelling network for low member, Piero Gattoni, “Italy might be able to produce emission vehicles to be in line with EU state aid rules, as enough biomethane to meet about 10-20% of the national the initiative contributes to reducing CO2 emissions without demand. Biogas turned into biomethane and injected into unduly distorting competition in the Single Market. The the national grid can be used when it is most needed.” scheme provides support of €44.5 million over six years for the construction of publicly accessible refuelling stations across the entire country for vehicles running on alternative Belarus fuels such as CNG, LNG, hydrogen and electricity. OJSC Gomselmash is testing the first grain harvesting Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition combine in the world that runs on compressed natural gas. policy, said: “The Czech scheme is yet another good example On 10 July 2017 OJSC Gazprom Transgas Belarus made the of how Member States can contribute to the fight against first fuelling of the harvester, preliminary titled “PALESSE global warming. The scheme will promote alternative fuels GS4118K”. and reduce harmful car emissions, and will encourage consumers and businesses to use greener transportation, The new combine has no analogues and is intended for without distorting competition”. Companies already active in direct and separate harvesting of cereal grains, groat crops the alternative fuels sector can apply for this support, which and grass seeds, and also features special devices for will be awarded in four separate calls for tender. harvesting corn, sunflower, leguminous and rapeseed in flat fields with a slope of up to 8 degrees. The aid measure was assessed by the Commission under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which The “PALESSE GS4118K” harvester is equipped with a allows Member States to support the development of natural gas engine, equipment consisting of cylinders for certain economic activities – in this case improving energy storage of gaseous fuels, low and high pressure lines, efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. This is in line with valves and reduction systems. EU energy and climate goals. The use of the combine will make harvesting more The measure will encourage a significant uptake of economical and environmentally friendly. vehicles running on alternative fuels, and therefore make an important contribution towards meeting the common interest of reducing emissions and improving The Netherlands air quality. It is also in line with the European Strategy for low-emission mobility, particularly in terms of speeding The first truck fuelled by LNG has loaded a trailer with LNG up the deployment of low-emission alternative energy for at the Gas Access to Europe (Gate) terminal in Rotterdam. transport and contributing to the decarbonisation agenda. The truck is an IVECO Stralis NP400 and has enough power to transport the heavy trailer for Rolande. Business parties, including Rolande, transport company Chr. Italy Vermeer Transport and Gate terminal, put a lot of effort to adjust rules and legislation, as until now it was practically The first biomethane filling station for vehicles came into impossible to transport LNG with an LNG-powered truck. operation in early July. The facility is located at Montello SpA plant in Bergamo (Italy), which uses only the gas However, these trucks are now compliant with ADR and generated by the treatment of the organic component of the regulation at terminals (as LNG is still a relatively new urban waste produced by 6 million inhabitants. According to fuel it was not included in all regulation and instructions the data provided by the company, a production of about 32 before), and the three companies show that there are no million cubic meters is expected per year. restrictions anymore for ADR transport companies to make the transition to LNG trucks. Montello is also the first “carbon negative” plant in Italy. In addition, 38,000 tons/year of CO2 for technical and food Gate terminal is an LNG import terminal of Gasunie and use will be recovered from the generated biogas (made Vopak. Its functions are: receipt, a buffer between receipt up of about 60% methane and 40% of CO2). The feeding and continuous supply of natural gas, regasification and of biomethane into the grid is a long-awaited event, since supply. Imported LNG is regasified and stored under the Ministry of Economic Development introduced the pressure at the terminal before it is supplied at a constant first incentives for biomethane production from waste in rate to the Dutch transmission network. The main functions December 2013. of the LNG import terminal as a whole are therefore storage and handling; no waste is produced. The terminal consists According to the Biomethane Platform (“Piattaforma of three storage tanks, two jetties and a process area where Biometano”), which includes producers as well as the LNG is regasified. environmental associations, the potential of biomethane in Italy could reach 8,5 billion cubic meters of products by 2030. Rolande owns eight LNG fuelling stations in The The country already is the second European producer of Netherlands and has ambitious plans to expand their biogas and the forth worldwide, with 1,200 agricultural plants, network in Western Europe. Its mission is to provide the 4,5 billion Euros of investment, a production of 2,5 billion cleanest, economically viable fuel to transport companies. cubic meters of biomethane and the creation of 12,000 jobs. Currently, they announced that the production of bio-LNG In addition, the Italian fleet of natural gas vehicles is the will be scaled up with the support of a European CEF grant. THE GVR GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September 5
Russia Spain
At the end of September, Lisbon will host the start Madrid’s Municipal Transportation Company (EMT as of the 11th International rally of vehicles running in its Spanish acronym) will carry out the expansion of on natural gas – Blue Corridor 2017, which will tour the CNG stations located at its operations centers of across Europe and finish in Saint Petersburg. This year, Fuencarral, Carabanchel and Entrevías. The objective the rally focuses on the use of LNG for heavy goods of this ambitious project is to supply all the buses vehicles. Companies such as KAMAZ, Ural, MAZ and powered by natural gas, which will represent 100% of the IVECO, with various LNG-powered models, have been municipal fleet in about five years along with electric and invited to participate. Moreover, the rally will also hybrid buses. feature a wide range of dual-fuel vehicles, as well as the passenger car LADA Vesta CNG. With a view to the future, the EMT awarded the works to expand these refueling stations for over 5 million euros. The rally participants will pass through Madrid, The forecast is that these works can be extended until Barcelona, Marseille, Milan, Ulm, Berlin, Warsaw, the end of this year. Kaliningrad, Riga and Tallinn and finish in St. Petersburg under the framework of the 7th St. The enhancement of the CNG refueling is necessary to Petersburg International Gas Forum (SPIGF). The be able to service the entire fleet of buses belonging length of the route is 5,700 kilometers. Round to each of these centers in a very near future. Once tables along the route will provide opportunities for expanded, these three stations will be able to supply representatives of key players to share every-day natural gas to more than 1,200 buses in less than four experiences and discuss perspectives of the NGV minutes. market development. Currently, the municipal natural gas fleet includes 945 LNG refueling within the European territory will be buses, which will reach 1,400 at the beginning of 2019, provided by cryogenic automobile filling stations of according to the bus procurement plans designed by the Gazprom partners, while in the territory of Russia the EMT and the city de Madrid. fuel will be supplied by Gazprom Gas-Engine Fuel, at its own facilities in Kaliningrad and Peterhof. United Kingdom “Long-distance freight transport, travelling logistics of which covers big distances and requires use of a fuel ReFood has opened a new state-of-the-art anaerobic with high power output has the strongest potential for digestion (AD) facility in Dagenham following the implementation of LNG as vehicle fuel. Participation in success of their Doncaster and Widnes sites. ReFood the rally will demonstrate the possibilities of Gazprom Dagenham will convert inedible food waste (collected Gas-Engine Fuel to organize LNG-corridors in the from customers in and around London) into renewable territory of the Russian Federation”, said Mikhail energy and sustainable biofertiliser. The site is capable Likhachov, the CEO of Gazprom Gas Engine Fuel. of processing more than 160,000 tons of food waste every year, generating 14 million m3 of biogas. The 7th St. Petersburg International Gas Forum will take place in Saint Petersburg from 3 to 6 of October As well as displacing 73,600 tons of CO2, the equivalent and will gather the oil and gas industry’s world leaders, of taking 14,431 cars off the road, ReFood Dagenham including Gazprom, Uniper Global Commodities SE, Air will support Transport for London’s (TfL) Clean Air Liquide, OMV, and others. Action Plan through the generation of biomethane for natural gas vehicles. At a later date, state-of-the-art gas NGV Italy will actively take part of the Forum, organizing upgrading equipment may also be installed on site to dedicated events and gathering the Italian and supply high quality vehicle fuel. international experts of the natural gas vehicle sector. The specialists will share their global experience and “Opening ReFood Dagenham comes as part of a strategic present their vision in regard to using natural gas in the ambition to recycle more than one million tons of food automotive industry. waste by the end of 2017 – a milestone that we are on track to achieve,” said Philip Simpson, commercial Moreover, the St. Petersburg International Gas director at ReFood. “Since our first year of production Forum will feature an outstanding open exposition in Doncaster in 2012, national operations have grown presenting dedicated vehicles for the gas industry. by more than 250%. ReFood Dagenham will play an The exhibition will including OEMs and distributors important role in furthering this success, providing an related to all the stages of the manufacturing chain, environmentally-friendly waste management solution for such as search and investigation of oil and gas fields, customers in London.” special transporting and load lifting means for drilling operations, equipment for oil and gas facilities Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor (Environment and construction, overhaul, and maintenance of pipelines Energy), added: “We’re committed to helping drive up and boreholes. The exposition will also present special London’s recycling rates, as well as making London zero vehicles for commercial and public fleet sector: private carbon by 2050. This new facility, the first of its kind in and commercial light vehicles, passenger carriers, road London, is exactly the type of solution we need to help and municipal vehicles, quarry and building equipment, achieve this. Not only will it deal with London’s food agricultural vehicles, as well as mobile natural gas waste, but it will also produce clean biogas to help cut compressor stations. the carbon emissions of the gas grid.” 6 The Italian NGV Industry It was held NGV Italy BoD and the General Meeting of the Members
he Board of Directors of Italian Association NGV infrastructure managing and developer was this way Italy gathered on last July 24. The encounter approved and welcome to NGV Italy Board. T -followed by the General Meeting of the Members- discussed the first half of the year Association Host of the event was Board Member CNH Industrial/ activities and prospects in the words of President Iveco at its magnificent CNH Industrial Village, not just Mariarosa Baroni as well as by the Technical and Legal because of its dimensions (more than 1.800.000m2) Affairs Directors. but also because after lunchtime all participants enjoyed a guided tour through the Show Room with Among other issues in the agenda, the BoD proposed Iveco latest products and the Truck, Tractor and Bus to the General Meeting of the Members a new entry museum: a journey covering more than 100 years of to the Board: Snam, Italian and European natural gas history watching unique beautiful vehicles. Il BoD e L’Assemblea Generale di NGv Italy ospiti di IVECO l Consiglio di Amministrazione dell’Associazione Amministrazione di Snam (società che gestisce e sviluppa Italiana NGV Italy si è riunito il 24 luglio scorso a l’infrastruttura del gas naturale italiana e europea). La I Torino presso il CNH Industrial Village di Torino. proposta è stata accolta con favore dal consiglio di NGV L’incontro - seguito dall’Assemblea dei Soci – è stata Italy. l’occasione per discutere delle attività svolte nel primo semestre dell’anno e quelle future dell’Associazione. Ad ospitare l’evento è stato IVECO, membro del BoD presso All’incontro erano presenti sia la presidente Mariarosa il magnifico CNH Industrial Village, flagship showroom Baroni e che i rappresentanti tecnici e giuridici della Società e dei suoi brand che vanta più di 1.800.000 m2 dell’associazione. di esposizione. I partecipanti inoltre hanno potuto toccare con mano la tecnologia di IVECO a gas naturale e visitare la Tra i punti all’ordine del giorno, il CdA ha proposto galleria storica dei veicoli commerciali, un percorso che all’Assemblea Generale l’entrata nel Consiglio di copre più di 100 anni di storia. THE GVR GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September 7 UK fleets speed up transition to natural gas and biogas
More buses and trucks powered by clean burning methane are currently under trial, ready to be introduced into British transit and commercial fleets. Kuehne + Nagel, Waitrose, Nottingham City Transport and First West of England are among the actors involved.
Largest trial with biogas trucks are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 8%, and those run on biomethane can expect to see a 70% reduction in CO2 enex (UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon emissions, compared to a similarly sized diesel truck. technologies) announced the UK’s largest trial C of biomethane-fuelled trucks. Led by Air Liquide The project aims to demonstrate lower-emissions and funded in part by the Office for Low Emission technology innovation into the UK’s logistics industry and Vehicles (OLEV) in partnership with Innovate UK via the HGV fleets, which account for 17% of all UK road transport Low Emission Freight and Logistics Project, the ‘Dedicated emissions. Working in partnership with Air Liquide, to Gas’ trial will see large fleet operators including Kuehne the project lead, Cenex will manage all data analysis + Nagel, Wincanton, ASDA, Brit European, Howard Tenens and project dissemination, update a dedicated natural and Great Bear, trial the effectiveness of 81 natural gas gas vehicle hub website, and organize informational heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). workshops for participating fleet operators and interested members of the industry. The trucks being trialled range from 12 to 44 tonnes, and are all new to the UK market. The trial will road test the HGVs Daniel Lambert, Commercial Director at Air Liquide across 10 different vehicle configurations, creating a wealth Advanced Business & Technologies UK, said: “OEMs are of valuable data on vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, working hard to bring promising zero emissions technologies reliability and cost. Trial vehicles running on CNG and LNG to the new lorries they design, but without real life road 8 THE GVR GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September
testing by big fleet customers, these technologies will not be them to encourage investment in low carbon solutions for able to impact CO2 emissions in a big way. We look forward demanding-duty cycles. to leading this innovative trial, and sharing the results with other HGV fleet operators across Europe and the globe.” Steve Carroll, Head of Transport at Cenex, said: “Cenex is excited to continue its long-standing support of using Kuehne + Nagel case natural gas and biomethane in the transport sector. Proving the capabilities of these alternative fuels in heavy-duty Kuehne + Nagel Ltd will trial the effectiveness of low- cycles is a first for the UK, and we look forward to sharing emissions natural gas HGVs operating as parts of large the outcomes of this innovative trial.” fleets with demanding-duty cycles. The project aims to prove the reliability, emission savings, cost savings, and Andrew Blake, Kuehne + Nagel, said, “The demand on practical use of these HGVs in the UK’s most demanding our industry for on-time and cost-efficient deliveries has logistics operations. never been greater, so understanding how low-emissions technologies can support our sustainable growth while Funded in part by Innovate UK’s Low-Emission Freight and delivering to our customers is critical. We look forward Logistics Project, the Reduced-Emission Logistics (RED- to better understanding how biomethane HGVs will help E-LOG) trial will see one of the UK’s largest fleet operators Kuehne + Nagel reach our goal to be a sustainable, reliable trial 29 dedicated (spark-ignited) natural gas and dual- logistics leader.” fuel direct-injection methane/diesel trucks completing demanding-duty cycles for consumer brands such as Trucks at UK’s first high-pressure gas station Whitbread, owner of Costa Coffee and Premier Inn, and Virgin. The trucks will refuel with liquid biomethane, or bio- Cadent, the UK’s biggest gas network, commissioned LNG, from a depot-based refuelling station. independent analysis of the first 14 months of the station, operated by CNG Fuels, at Leyland, Lancashire, the first Working in partnership, Kuehne + Nagel will manage the on the high-pressure gas network and that offers 100% trial, Microlise Ltd. will manage fleet telematics to capture renewable biomethane. Cadent partnered with CNG Fuels detailed vehicle data, and Emissions Analytics will provide to construct the facility, which opened in March 2016, with independent emissions testing to quantify the emissions retailer Waitrose as its anchor customer. performances of the new vehicle technologies. Cenex will share trial findings with UK logistics operators, and use Dedicated NGVs refuelling on biomethane at Leyland
Department for Transport is helping drivers has published plans to allow motorists to drive vans switch to CNG weighing up to 4,250kg if they are powered by natural gas, LPG, hydrogen or electricity.
“Vans have become essential to our economy and are vital for our builders, small businesses and delivery drivers. We have more of them on our roads than ever before. That’s a good sign for the economy, but our challenge is to try to tackle their impact on air quality. We want to make it easier for businesses to opt for cleaner vehicles, and these proposals are designed to do just that,” said Transport Minister Jesse Norman.
According to the government, road traffic estimates show there has been a rapid rise in light goods vehicle traffic over the last 20 years, in part powered by the growth in internet shopping. In 2016 vans clocked up 49.1 billion vehicle miles – an increase of 23% when compared with 2006. Vans spend much of their time driving around towns and cities and over 96% of them are diesel powered so making them greener is essential for people’s health and the environment. Changes to driver licensing rules will make it easier for van drivers to switch to low emission technology vehicles, Martin Flach, IVECO’s Alternative Fuels Director, said: the government has announced on 28 July. Van drivers will “Increasingly, customers are looking seriously at low- be able to operate heavier natural gas-powered vehicles, emission light duty vehicles but at 3.5 tonnes vehicles among other clean fuels, without having to apply for a new are usually critical on payload and it has resulted in a license, as part of moves to improve air quality in towns and much lower take-up of vehicles than we would have liked. cities across the country. The reforms are a step towards It’s always seemed nonsensical that companies keen to the government’s aim for nearly all cars and vans on the implement innovative technology that is better for the roads to be zero emission by 2050. environment, should be penalized on payload and have to pay for additional driver training,” he said. Currently, a motorist with an ordinary category B license for a car can drive a van weighing up to 3,500kg. Cleaner “As a key alternative fuel vehicle manufacturer that vans, especially those powered by natural gas, are generally truly believes in sustainable transport, IVECO has been heavier than conventional diesel vans because of the fuel campaigning on this issue for several years so we’re equipment they carry. This reduces the amount of goods delighted with the proposal that has been made,” he added. they can carry or means van drivers have to apply for a “The vehicles are available; we just need the government to category C license with the associated costs and medical ensure businesses are being given the opportunity to make report requirements. Now the Department for Transport the most of them.” THE GVR GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September 9
emitted 84% less CO2 well-to-wheel than equivalent diesel with the demands of city-wide operations in Bristol and vehicles. The study also found that even if the natural how it impacts, for example, refuelling and maintenance gas was not from renewable sources, derived instead operations. completely from fossil fuel, the well-to-wheel emission saving from CNG dispensed from the high-pressure system The public can easily spot the biogas bus with its would still be as high as 15%. green livery and playful bubbles as a reference to its environmental credentials and the fermenting process David Parkin, director for network strategy at Cadent, said: that produces the odourless methane gas. The bus has 70 “This report proves there are significant environmental and seats, a wheelchair space and standing room for 13, glass economic benefits not just in using CNG, but in dispensing windows next to its staircase, allowing a lot more daylight to it from the high-pressure system. This is a credible option, enter the vehicle. available today, and our high pressure network is ideally situated to support its growth, as in most cases our pipeline With biomethane, the bus’s greenhouse gas emissions are tracks the UK’s major motorways.” 84% cleaner than a Euro 5 Diesel on a well-to-wheel basis. Perhaps surprisingly considering its size and passenger “Natural gas is a practical and affordable option for capacity, its tailpipe emissions are lower than many modern decarbonising heavy goods vehicle transport and Euro 6 diesel passenger cars. The bus also uses a different lowering emissions. Biomethane CNG is a green fuel, engine, which results in a quieter and improved journey and with up to 99% reduction in emissions of nitrogen experience for passengers; and residents along the Service oxides, it can help clean air in our towns and cities, as 1 route may even notice the difference. well as reducing transport’s current high level of carbon emissions,” he added. James Freeman, Managing Director of First West of England, said: “We are immensely proud to bring this premium double Largest fleet of double-deck CNG buses decker to Bristol so soon after the manufacturers offered it to the market. Its low emissions and biogas credentials Nottingham is in the process of introducing the world’s are just what is needed in a city that is faced with air quality largest fleet of double-deck dedicated gas-powered Scania challenges and increased congestion.” buses into service. In terms of their green credentials, these vehicles, operated by Nottingham City Transport, Cllr Mhairi Threlfall, Cabinet Member for Transport, also are set to deliver enormous benefits to the citizens of commented: “This is a testament to our good partnership Nottingham and far beyond. with First that we were chosen to be the first place in the UK to test this particular type of innovative bus technology. “By investing in this fleet of gas-fuelled double-deckers, we The future and health of Bristol depends on exploring low- are looking to deliver substantial environmental benefits emission technology and investments like this will help over the coming years,” said Mark Fowles, Managing make real progress towards our air pollution targets.” Director, Nottingham City Transport. “We are expecting significant annual savings in three key areas: carbon dioxide emissions, NOx emissions and particulate matter reduction. Independent tests have confirmed an 84% ‘well to wheel’ saving when comparing biogas operation to Euro 5 diesel, so we are confident our anticipated returns will be turned into reality.”
By 2020, Nottingham City Transport intends to have 120- plus biogas buses in service out of its heavy fleet of 300 buses. “That is a step-change in terms of environmental performance,” added Fowles. “As our ultimate aim is to deliver the same quality of service throughout our area, you can expect to see more of the same in the future as we continue the transition to a more sustainable transport system for Nottingham.”
Nottingham City Transport is local authority-owned bus company which fulfils a total of 50 million passenger journeys a year on its extensive network of routes around the city and surrounding boroughs, and has long enjoyed a reputation for innovation, including pioneering the use of alternative fuels in urban bus operations, the latest incarnation of which is dedicated natural gas power. A total of 53 Scania double-deck buses will be introduced into service during 2017/18.
Biogas double-decker in Bristol
Bristol has rolled out a double-decker bus powered by biomethane. Local bus operator First West of England will use the vehicle, which is rated as the best low- emission double decker bus currently on the market, as a pathfinder. This will assess how well the new bus copes 10 THE GVR GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September Audi A4 and A5 now available in g-tron versions running on e-gas
The new A4 Avant g-tron and the new A5 Sportback g-tron are powered by a bivalent 2.0 TFSI engine developing 170 hp, and can run on a choice of the e-gas, conventional CNG or gasoline. Audi offers e-gas for three years as a standard feature to customers ordering a g-tron model by May 31, 2018.
udi is offering its customers two sustainable alternatives in the midsize category: the new A4 Volkswagen is offering incentives to scrap A Avant g-tron and the new A5 Sportback g-tron. old diesel vehicles Both models are powered by a bivalent 2.0 TFSI engine developing 170 hp. Like the A3 Sportback g-tron that is already on the market, they can run on a choice of the Audi e-gas, conventional CNG or gasoline. Customers can now order both models from dealers.
Sporty, climate-friendly and economical – the new Audi A4 Avant g-tron and A5 Sportback g-tron meet all those requirements. At the same time they offer an impressive degree of everyday usability. They have a range of 950 kilometres (590.3 mi), of which up to 500 kilometres (310.7 mi) can be covered in the CNG mode. The price for the A4 Avant g-tron is EUR 40,300 in Germany. The A5 Sportback g-tron starts at EUR 40,800. Audi is presenting its g-tron technology at the IAA in Frankfurt in September.
A 2.0 TFSI engine powers both the A4 Avant g-tron and the A5 Sportback g-tron, developing 125 kW (170 hp) and The Volkswagen brand has launched an environmental achieving torque of 270 Nm (199.1 lb-ft). Moreover, the program to help make a contribution to the improvement drive unit’s high efficiency means low costs of ownership: of air quality in cities. Furthermore, it is offering incentives fuel costs compared with an equivalent gasoline engine for the purchase of modern, environmentally compatible vehicles– if an older diesel vehicle (Euro 1 to Euro 4 are much lower, at around four euros per 100 kilometres. standards) of any brand is scrapped at the same time. The lower CO2 emissions also mean owners pay less in motor vehicle tax. In addition to being very economical Moreover, Volkswagen is supporting a technological to run, the g-tron models have an extremely clean changeover to alternative fuel vehicles in the form of combustion process. future incentives. Customers will receive between €1,000 and €2,380 when purchasing a vehicle with an especially Audi offers e-gas for three years as a standard feature to environmental compatible alternative powertrain (natural customers ordering a g-tron model by May 31, 2018. They gas, hybrid, or electric). can fill up their g-tron model at any CNG station and pay The Volkswagen environmental and future incentives the regular price. By feeding the computed volume of its are available for a limited time up to December 31, 2017. e-gas into the natural gas grid, Audi ensures the green Applications for the incentives can be made with immediate benefits of the program, including the corresponding effect to Volkswagen dealers in Germany. reduction in CO2 emissions. With this deal, Audi is reducing the CO2 emissions of the g-tron fleet when Thomas Zahn, Head of Sales and Marketing Germany, running on gas by up to 80%. THE GVR GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September 11 First car powered by energy from sewage was unveiled in Australia
The Mitsubishi car runs on biogas generated from sewage at the Oxley Creek Sewage Treatment Plant in Brisbane’s west. The so-called “Poo-powered Car” is basically a rolling promotional tool to raise awareness of the potential for converting human waste into energy.
ueensland Urban Utilities has unveiled the so- called “Poo-powered Car”, which runs on biogas Q generated from sewage at the Oxley Creek Sewage Treatment Plant in Brisbane’s west. “If you live in Brisbane’s south or west, every time you flush the loo, or use your shower and sink, you’ll be helping to power our car,” said Queensland Urban Utilities spokesperson, Michelle Cull.
The energy used to refuel the Mitsubishi car is produced by a cogeneration unit at the treatment plant. Cogeneration involves capturing the biogas produced from sewage sludge (from 300,000 residential customers), then using it great example of how modern sewage treatment plants are to drive an engine which creates electricity. The car plugs becoming more like resource recovery centres where we’re into a 240 volt power point, charges overnight and has a turning waste into something useful like energy,” Cull said. range of up to 150 kilometres. For now, the utility company’s unique fleet vehicle running Queensland Urban Utilities operates three cogeneration with this renewable energy is basically a rolling units at its biggest sewage treatment plants at Oxley promotional tool to raise awareness of the potential for Creek and Luggage Point. The state-of-the-art technology converting human waste into energy, alerting current and produces up to 50% of the plants’ electricity needs, future customers to the green-energy technologies being delivering savings of up to $2.5 million a year. “This is a deployed by their local water and sewage company. 12 IBERIA GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September IBERIA 13 Crece flota de camiones de basura a GNV en Palma EMAYA presentó 31 nuevos vehículos adquiridos por la empresa para reforzar y renovar el servicio de recogida de residuos. Esta flota incluye 15 camiones de recogida lateral que operan con gas natural, cuya compra supuso una inversión de 3.417.000 euros en total. GAS VEHICLES REPORT
IBERIA #10 GVRIBERIA SEPTEMBER 2017
Proyecto ECO-GATE de gas vehicular obtiene financiación
La Unión Europea aprobó financiar con 10 millones de euros el proyecto de Gas Natural Fenosa. Éste implica la construcción de más de 20 estaciones de servicio en los corredores Atlántico y Mediterráneo de la red de carreteras de España, Francia, Alemania y Portugal.
El Puerto de Ferrol recibirá el crucero Castilla-La Mancha apuesta por un Aida Prima a GNL transporte público sostenible En noviembre visitará Ferrol uno de los cruceros más La directora general de Relaciones Institucionales ecológicos del mundo, el Aida Prima, una nave que y Asuntos Europeos de Castilla-La Mancha y la puede funcionar de modo sostenible en puerto, gracias Comisaría de Transportes de la Unión Europea a que cuenta con motores que, durante la permanencia firmaron la Declaración de Autobuses Limpios en el muelle, consumen solo GNL. para frenar el cambio climático mediante el uso de unidades ecológicas alimentadas con biometano e hidrógeno, entre otras energías alternativas. 14 IBERIA GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September Proyecto ECO-GATE de gas vehicular obtiene financiación de la UE
a Unión Europea aprobó financiar con 10 millones Corredor Mediterráneo a través de nuevas tecnologías y de euros el proyecto ECO-GATE que dirige y soluciones innovadoras. L coordina Gas Natural Fenosa, como líder de un consorcio integrado por operadores de gas natural, ECO-GATE hará posible el despliegue rápido y masivo proveedores de tecnologías y servicios, usuarios finales de este combustible alternativo gracias a una reducción y expertos en conocimientos de mercado y promoción significativa del coste unitario y a una mejor comprensión de España, Portugal, Francia y Alemania. El proyecto y mayor conocimiento de las necesidades de los clientes. implicará la construcción de más de 20 estaciones de servicio en los corredores Atlántico y Mediterráneo de La financiación de la Unión Europea responde a que el la red de carreteras de España, Francia, Alemania y proyecto contribuye enormemente al cumplimiento de la Portugal. Directiva Europea 94/2014 y al desarrollo del mercado de gas natural para movilidad como combustible alternativo. La Comisión Europea ha aprobado financiar con 10 millones de euros el desarrollo del proyecto europeo ECO-GATE está impulsado por un consorcio integrado por ECO-GATE, un plan de acción global para el desarrollo más de 20 empresas de España (24), Portugal (3), Francia de la movilidad con GNC y GNL en Europa, que lidera (1) y Alemania (1). GAS NATURAL FENOSA a través de la distribuidora Gas Natural Madrid, que se encarga de dirigir y coordinar el Como operadoras de gas natural participan: Gas Natural proyecto. Madrid, Enagas Transporte, Dourogás Natural, Endesa Energia, Agas Siglo XXI, Galp Energia, EDP, Repsol, Gas Las más de 20 estaciones de gas natural contempladas, Natural Europe, Inversora Melofe y Molgas Energía. se ubicarán en cada uno de los 4 países de desarrollo del Como proveedores de tecnologías y servicios forman Proyecto, Alemania, Francia, Portugal y España, y para parte: Cetil Dispensing Technology, Soltel It Solutions, ello la financiación aprobada se repartirá entre los cuatro Fundacion Cidaut, Evarm Innovacion, Universidade de países. España recibirá financiación para desarrollar Tras-Os-Montes e Alto Douro, Fundación Imdea Energía, gasineras en Barcelona, Burgos, Madrid, Murcia, Audigna, Ghenova Ingeniería y Madisa. Salamanca, Irún, Tordesillas, La Junquera, Córdoba y Cartagena, entre otras ciudades. Como usuarios finales: Correos, San José López y EMT Palma. Y finalmente, como expertos en conocimiento de El proyecto europeo ECO-GATE es uno de los mercado y promoción forman parte: Gasnam, Autoridad más ambiciosos en el mercado vehicular de gas Portuaria de Gijón, Autoridad Portuaria de Huelva, natural convencional y renovable con despliegue de Universidad de Santiago de Compostela y Soulman infraestructura a lo largo del Corredor Atlántico y el Insightful Thinking. GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September IBERIA 15 Crece flota de camiones de basura a GNV en Palma de Mallorca l alcalde de Palma, Antoni Noguera, y la presidenta de EMAYA, Neus Truyol, presentaron en Son Pacs E 31 nuevos vehículos adquiridos por la empresa para reforzar y renovar el servicio de recogida de residuos. Esta nueva flota incluye 15 camiones de recogida lateral que operan con gas natural, cuya compra supuso una inversión de 3.417.000 euros en total. La adjudicación se realizó con un contrato marco para el suministro de hasta 25 unidades en los próximos cinco años, en función de las necesidades.
Los camiones de carga lateral son vehículos de grandes dimensiones, de 26 toneladas, destinados al vaciado de contenedores de este sistema lateral, la mayoría de los existentes en Palma y los de nueva instalación (casi 5.600 nuevos contenedores este año). Se trata de vehículos lo largo de las próximas semanas una vez cumplimentados propulsados con chasis IVECO de 330 CV, motorización los trámites burocráticos de recepción y matriculación. Los Euro 6, con tanque de GNC de 640 l, cumpliendo así con la nuevos vehículos vienen a reforzar y substituir camiones normativa Euro vigente. El equipo de recolección es OMB que tienen hasta 14 años de antigüedad. Technology, con compactador de carga lateral CMPL7ETSA de 23m3 de capacidad. Cabe recordar que EMAYA cuenta con una estación de GNV propia y que ha hecho una importante apuesta por este Cuatro de estos camiones ya están en disposición para combustible, ventajoso desde el punto de vista ambiental y trabajar en las calles de Palma; los otros 11 se sumarán a económico.
Castilla-La Mancha apuesta por un transporte público sostenible
a directora general de Relaciones Institucionales plantea con este acuerdo es aumentar esta cuota al 30 y Asuntos Europeos de Castilla-La Mancha, por ciento en 2025. L Virginia Marco, firmó junto a la Comisaria de Transportes de la Unión Europea, Violeta Bulc, Desde el Gobierno regional se considera necesario la Declaración de Autobuses Limpios con la que se fomentar el crecimiento de medios de transporte libres pretende frenar el cambio climático. Marco destacó que de emisiones a través de la puesta en marcha de 2.000 el Gobierno regional considera que “el mantenimiento autobuses ecológicos en la Unión Europea, para finales de un adecuado sistema de transporte público en de 2019, lo que además supondría una oportunidad de nuestra región es una de las medidas para luchar contra inversión de más de 1.000 millones de euros. la despoblación y el cambio climático, ya que se reducen las emisiones de gases”.
Las partes firmantes potenciarán el uso de buses ecológicos alimentados con biometano, hidrógeno o electricidad, entre otras energías alternativas, con las que se mejoren la calidad de vida de los ciudadanos, así como la del aire, y se reduzcan los niveles de ruido. La directora general de Relaciones Institucionales y Asuntos Europeos considera que desde las administraciones públicas se debe impulsar la implementación de estos sistemas alternativos con bajas emisiones que favorecerán la sostenibilidad ambiental.
La proporción actual de buses de combustible limpio en la flota europea es del 10 al 12 por ciento, aproximadamente 20.000 de un total de 200.000 vehículos de transporte público. El objetivo que se 16 IBERIA GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September La EMT de Madrid expande sus estaciones de carga de gas natural
a Empresa Municipal de Transportes (EMT) llevará a finales de este año. cabo la ampliación de las estaciones de GNV en sus L centros de operaciones de Fuencarral, Carabanchel La potenciación del repostado de GNV es necesaria y Entrevías. El objetivo de este ambicioso proyecto para poder dar servicio a la flota completa de buses es el de abastecer a todos los autobuses propulsados por pertenecientes a cada uno de estos centros en un futuro este combustible alternativo que supondrá el 100% de la muy cercano. Una vez ampliada su capacidad, estas tres flota municipal en unos cinco años junto con los autobuses estaciones podrán suministrar gas natural a más de 1.200 eléctricos e híbridos. buses en tiempos inferiores a los cuatro minutos.
Con una perspectiva de futuro, la EMT adjudicó los Actualmente la flota municipal a gas natural es de 945 trabajos de ampliación de dichas estaciones de servicio autobuses, que pasarán a ser unos 1.400 a comienzos de 2019, por un importe de 5.284.207,35 euros. La previsión es según los planes de adquisición de nuevos vehículos más que estas obras de desarrollo puedan prolongarse hasta limpios diseñados por la EMT y Ayuntamiento de Madrid. GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September IBERIA 17 El Puerto de Ferrol recibirá el crucero Aida Prima a GNL
l próximo 9 de noviembre visitará Ferrol uno de los cruceros más ecológicos del mundo, el Aida E Prima. Se trata de una nave que puede funcionar de modo sostenible en puerto, gracias a que cuenta con motores que, durante la permanencia en el muelle, consumen solo GNL, el más limpio de los combustibles fósiles.
Aida Prima es el buque insignia de la operadora alemana Aida Cruises. Construido por Mitsubishi Heavy Industries en su astillero de Nagasaki, sus ventajas ambientales derivan de que cuenta con tres motores MaK M43C 12V que los rodean. El puerto de Barcelona, por ejemplo, se y un motor MaK M46DF dual fuel que puede operar con calcula que emite el 11% del total de partículas finas de la GNL. Desde que entró en servicio en 2016 realiza viajes ciudad, y que un 3% corresponde a los cruceros. regulares entre Hamburgo, Southampton, Le Havre y Zeebrugge, cuatro puertos en los que puede repostar GNL. Además, contar con suministro de GNL, también favorecerá el empleo del gas natural para operaciones Precisamente la Autoridad Portuaria de Ferrol-San portuarias en tierra, como el desplazamiento de Cibrao y Reganosa están colaborando para dotarse de contenedores mediante grúa, que actualmente emplean infraestructuras y protocolos que permitan a barcos de combustibles contaminantes, o para otros equipos móviles estas características repostar en Ferrol, que de este modo de uso habitual en los muelles. gana una ventaja competitiva importante a tenor de la evolución de las flotas mercante y de pasajeros; de hecho, Precisamente el puerto ferrolano contará en la terminal el puerto está en disposición de ofrecer el servicio gracias que Reganosa opera con infraestructuras específicas para a los trabajos realizados en el ámbito portuario y a los operar con GNL a pequeña escala, no sólo con los gaseros estudios europeos en que han colaborado la Autoridad hasta ahora habituales. Los estudios y trabajos Portuaria y Reganosa. correspondientes se están realizando a través del proyecto europeo Core LNGas Hive, en el que también participan los El empleo del GNL para el funcionamiento de los principales puertos españoles. Contar con esta oferta de motores auxiliares de los cruceros que suministran servicios da una ventaja a Ferrol sobre otras ciudades e energía eléctrica durante sus escalas permite reducir la impulsa la captación de los cruceros que han optado por el contaminación del aire en los muelles y entornos urbanos GNL como combustible.
Se incrementa la demanda nacional de gas natural en España
a demanda de gas natural en España cerrará el mes de julio con un crecimiento de en torno al L 17% respecto al mismo mes del año anterior. Este porcentaje es el mayor incremento mensual en periodo estival desde 2008 y se debe, fundamentalmente, al aumento de la demanda de gas tanto para la generación de electricidad como para el sector industrial.
En concreto, está previsto que la demanda de gas natural de hogares, comercios e industrias cerrará julio, para generación de electricidad cierre el mes de julio en previsiblemente, con un incremento del 5,9% respecto al torno a los 8.200 GWh, el valor más alto desde febrero mismo mes del año anterior, debido principalmente a un de 2012, debido a una muy baja generación hidráulica y a mayor consumo industrial, que crece en torno a un 6,2%. la parada programada de una central nuclear. Esta cifra El sector doméstico se ha mantenido en valores similares supone un crecimiento del 53% respecto a la registrada en a los de julio del año pasado. el mismo mes del año anterior. En lo que va de año, la demanda de gas natural en España Los ciclos combinados han sido la primera fuente de ha aumentado aproximadamente un 7,6% con respecto al generación en la cobertura de la demanda eléctrica durante mismo periodo de 2016. La demanda convencional se ha diez días, lo que pone de manifiesto el importante papel del incrementado un 4,4% y las entregas para generación de gas natural para garantizar el suministro eléctrico. electricidad un 25,5%. La demanda industrial también está creciendo un 7,8%, en línea con la buena evolución de La demanda convencional, destinada a los consumos la economía. 18 THE GVR GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September
LNG SECTION German government’s new research ship featuring dual fuel Cruise industry bets on LNG to system reduce environmental footprint
The technology group Wärtsilä will supply the engines for a new LNG-powered research vessel being built for the German government. Wärtsilä will also supply exhaust cleaning systems based on selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology and the LNGPac system for complete fuel gas handling. The SCR technology will be Cruise lines are transforming the modern fleet with new needed when the engines are running on conventional technologies and designs to protect the oceans, air and marine diesel fuel if the vessel exhausts its supply of destinations that millions of cruise passengers enjoy LNG on long voyages. each year. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) members are investing $1 billion in environmental The vessel is under construction at the Fassmer technology, including LNG as marine fuel. shipyard in Germany and will be owned by Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH), the Federal “The cruise industry recognizes the importance of Maritime and Hydrographic Agency. The new 75-meter investing in innovative ship technology to preserve ship, the ‘Atair’ will replace her 30 year old namesake, our environment and provide an eco-friendly travel and will be the first German research vessel operating experience,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, on LNG. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled to be CLIA. “And, with each new build, CLIA Cruise Line delivered to the yard in mid-2018, and the vessel will Members raise the bar for developing environmentally enter service in early 2020. friendly ships.” The full scope of Wärtsilä’s supply for the ‘Atair’ is two Cruise lines are launching ships powered by LNG, 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel engines capable of eliminating soot particles and sulphur oxides, to running on either LNG or conventional liquid fuels, one reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. For newly 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 20 engine, two exhaust cleaning launched vessels, new dual-fuel engines allow for the systems, and a Wärtsilä LNGPac fuel storage, supply, efficient and effective use of multiple fuels, such as LNG and control system. The engines will have Tier III and traditional fuel oils. Innovations in tank design and classification since the dual-fuel engines comply placement has also allowed for safe storage of LNG with this classification when running in gas mode. onboard. Furthermore, the engines will be double elastically mounted to minimize the noise. To date, seven cruise lines have announced plans to build up to 16 LNG-powered cruise ships, with the first “Our dual-fuel technology is unique when it comes to one expected in service in 2019. small bore medium speed engines, and the extended THE GVR GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September 19
service intervals and economic fuel consumption of the Wärtsilä 20DF engine enable lower operating costs than is possible with high speed engines. We have worked Third dual fuel tug ever built in closely with the Fassmer shipyard and are proud to have once again been selected to supply the machinery Europe delivered to Norwegian and equipment for this important project,” said Lars Anderson, Vice President, Engine Sales, Wärtsilä Marine firm Solutions.
Shell’s LNG bunker vessel Cardissa starts operations in Rotterdam
After completing its sea trials program successfully, AUDAX, the third dual fuel tug ever built in Europe, has been delivered by Gondan to its owner, the Norwegian company Østensjø Rederi A/S. The first tug of this kind built in Europe, DUX, was delivered by the company last May, and the second one, PAX, was delivered in July.
The management of the shipyard expressed its huge satisfaction for enjoying this great challenge with a company with the professionalism of Østensjø Rederi A/S, with which it shares a long common trajectory.
Designed by the renowned Canadian company Robert Allan Ltd, these state-of-the-art vessels, with 40.2 meters length and 16 meters beam, will provide tug services to Norwegian state-owned energy company Statoil, at the far-north terminal located at Melkøya under severe weather conditions. Built to withstand The Shell Western LNG B.V. Trading Rotterdam B.V. harsh environments, the vessels are shaped specifically (Shell) hyper-modern bunker vessel Cardissa has to grant full operational availability at temperatures arrived in the Rotterdam port approach area. This of 20 degrees below zero and combine environmental ocean-going vessel enables Shell to supply clients sustainability through the use of LNG in most of their throughout Europe with LNG from the Gas Access to operations -complying therefore with IMO Tier III Europe (Gate) terminal in Rotterdam. The Cardissa can emissions standards- with the flexibility of diesel power carry 6,500 m3 LNG. to ensure a high level of operational security.
Shell has also signed a time charter agreement with DUX, PAX and AUDAX have a free running speed of 15 Victrol N.V. and CFT for a bunker vessel with a 3,000m3 knots and are capable of remarkable direct and indirect LNG capacity. The vessel will operate with Rotterdam towing performance, providing exceptionally high as work location and will provide additional flexibility direct pull and escort forces: 107 ton bollard pull and to supply a wide range of clients, including European 167 ton steering force, both class approved by Bureau inland waterway vessels. Veritas. Outfitted to comfortably accommodate a crew of 8 people, the vessels have been built according to “As bunker fuel, LNG plays an important role in the the highest shipbuilding standards. The extraordinary energy mix of the future,” said Steve Hill, Executive Vice behaviour regarding noise and vibration isolation can President of Shell Energy. serve as example, achieving noise levels as low as 45 dB on the crew’s cabins. “With these bunker vessels and the Gate terminal, we are demonstrating that Shell is committed to Among their duties, they will conduct approximately constructing a robust and reliable supply for our clients. 300 LNG ship escorts annually, will assist with berthing With stricter emission regulations on the horizon, we operations and will be maintained in readiness for are continuing to work with our clients and partners emergency services such as long line towing, fire- towards cleaner energy solutions,” he added fighting, and oil spill response. 20 THE GVR GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September
parties, especially the Port State Authorities must play their part. Effective and consistent enforcement, across LNG alliance asks industry all jurisdictions of the IMO emissions regulations, will be essential to ensure more environmentally friendly shipping to reinforce commitment to and a level playing field for all shipping companies.”
emission standards SEA\LNG added that in addressing the primary concerns of cost and compliance, LNG as a marine fuel provides a means of negating current and potential future local emissions challenges, and is a step in the right direction towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maritime transport.
Port of Zeebrugge will feature second LNG loading facility
The number of LNG tanker-truck loading operations continues to rise in Zeebrugge. With a view to making sure it can keep responding to the growing level of demand, Fluxys LNG has made a Final Investment Decision for the construction of a second truck loading station at its LNG Terminal in Zeebrugge.
This will enable the company to keep waiting times at a SEA\LNG coalition urged the industry as a whole to minimum and bolster its position as a crossroads for LNG redouble its commitment to compliance with, and in Northwest Europe. According to the current planning the enforcement of, IMO Marpol VI Regulations. SEA\LNG construction of the new facility is set to start in spring 2018 recognizes that the Port State Authorities have a clear and to be commissioned before summer of the same year. obligation under the governing treaties to ensure even handed and consistent enforcement of the IMO regulations. The number of LNG truck loadings has been rising While enforcement has always been a difficult issue, exponentially in Northwest Europe the past few years, now is the time for all IMO members to understand spurred on by the EU’s increasingly stringent regulations the importance of this regulation and ensure that it is regarding emissions. In Zeebrugge, LNG trucks and implemented and enforced as envisioned. trailers can be loaded with 40 to 50 m³ LNG since 2010. Over 5,000 loadings have already left Zeebrugge by road The coalition acknowledged that today’s shipowners are and by ferry, in order to supply remote industrial end operating in a challenging economic environment amid consumers and to supply LNG as a fuel for ships and stringent and increasing environmental regulations. trucks in neighboring countries. With a complex investment decision matrix of risks when considering how to comply with the global sulphur cap of The project is receiving financial support from the 0.5% from 2020, shipowners must make decisions that European Commission through the Connecting Europe remain viable into the future and make choices between a Facility (CEF), which subsidizes projects that boost limited number of options; LNG, scrubbers, or low sulphur synergies between the transport and energy sectors with a fuels. view to achieving a low-carbon future and strengthening the internal European energy market. The grant is part of a SEA\LNG chairman Peter Keller said: “Shipping has made pilot project to facilitate the supply of LNG to a new LNG significant progress in reducing its environmental impact bunkering facility set to be constructed at the port of from harmful emissions, but more needs to be done. All Gothenburg (Sweden). THE GVR GAS VEHICLES REPORT 2017, September 21
H SECTION Norway’s first hydrogen- 2 powered trucks will feature German network of hydrogen Hexagon tanks refuelling stations surpasses 30 sites
After the opening of stations in Wiesbaden and Frankfurt in June, Daimler, Shell and Linde have now commissioned two more hydrogen stations in Sindelfingen and Pforzheim. This brings the number of hydrogen fuelling options to nine in Baden-Württemberg, making the federal state Germany’s leading H2 region, and to 32 in the entire Hexagon Composites’ subsidiary xperion Energy & country. The openings are another step in the partners’ Environment has been nominated to supply high-pressure efforts towards establishing a nationwide supply network, cylinders for hydrogen-powered trucks operated by ASKO, under the H2 Mobility joint venture. Norway’s largest grocery wholesaler. Hexagon received the order from Hydrogenics Corporation, and the cylinders The new sites, built by Daimler and with Linde technology, will be integrated into its fuel cell systems for four Scania are conveniently located at Shell service stations, on the hydrogen trucks for ASKO. The first deliveries are scheduled A8 (Pforzheim) and A81 (Sindelfingen) motorways, at for second half of 2017, and the first vehicles are expected to key intersection points for traffic routes in southwestern be operational by ASKO towards the end of 2018. Germany. The Sindelfingen station is located near the historic Daimler vehicle production plant, which houses a “Being a pioneer in this growth market and taking a shared research and development center, whose responsibilities responsibility with Scania, ASKO clearly sees the advantage include overseeing the development of the next generation of working with a Scandinavian supply chain,” said Roger of Mercedes-Benz fuel cell vehicles based on the GLC. Sæther, Project Manager Mid Norway at ASKO. “We see this as a first step towards a large-scale hydrogen-powered Germany’s 32 hydrogen refuelling stations were sponsored truck fleet. We wouldn’t have started this journey if we by the German government via its National Innovation didn’t have a strong belief in this future-oriented solution.” Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NIP). Altogether, the German government contributed 1.8 million “This order is a great example of utilizing Hexagon’s euros to the construction of the two new stations. “We need know-how and capacities in hydrogen technology, using a large H2 refuelling network in Germany – in metropolitan existing cylinders and extending these to heavy-duty truck areas, along our motorways, but also everywhere else. system applications. By utilizing the available storage Integrating H2 stations into conventional service stations room in a truck, we have designed a storage system that is an important step,” said Norbert Barthle, Parliamentary maximizes the onboard hydrogen capacity,” commented State Secretary at the Federal Minister for Traffic and Michael Kleschinski, Executive Vice President of Hexagon Digital Infrastructure. Composites’ High-Pressure Area.
Other hydrogen stations are currently at the planning “We are very pleased to be working together with stage or under construction in Germany. This year, for Hydrogenics and ASKO on this project,” said Jørn Helge example, filling stations in Wendlingen, Karlsruhe, Munich, Dahl, Director Market and Sales Hydrogen at Hexagon Bremen and Kassel are to follow. By 2018, the plan is to Raufoss. “During the process, we have collaborated closely have 100 stations, while as many as 400 sites are intended with ASKO to design the best possible solution for the by 2023. H2 Mobility just recently called for suggestions Norwegian grocery distribution industry. With this order, we for other service station sites: several stations are to be are opening up a new and exciting market space for our built in regions with the largest potential hydrogen sales by products and are further confirming our commitment to a number of fuel-cell cars (700 bar). near zero-emission society.” 22 2017, September
MAN announces first natural gas low-floor city bus for Central Asia
The vehicle, produced by MAN Auto Uzbekistan, was presented at World Expo in Astana, Kazakhstan, and represents the expansion of the joint venture to include CNG competence centre.
as engines are playing an important role across fitting than introducing the new low-emission city bus for the globe on the road to reduced emissions Central Asia?” asked Jan Kohlmeier, Sales Director Bus G as increased fuel efficiency means emissions Central Asia at MAN Truck & Bus, during the presentation values can be considerably reduced even without of the gas bus in Astana on 8 August. “By combining additional filter technology or exhaust gas aftertreatment. the tried-and-tested CNG engine technology from MAN Using engines that run on biogas, which is possible at MAN with the weight advantages of an aluminium body, this without any technical modifications, means that the buses low-floor bus offers many benefits for operators and the are almost CO2 neutral. environment alike.”
It is this reasoning that is winning over public transport With the start of production of the new city bus, the MAN managers in Kazakhstan. As a result, MAN Truck & Bus Auto Uzbekistan plant in Samarkand is developing into is now bringing a gas bus to market, produced locally as a competence centre for CNG vehicles. MAN Truck & part of the joint venture with MAN Auto Uzbekistan. The Bus has been offering its customers the full portfolio 12 m low-floor bus with CNG drive is based on a MAN of city buses for many years, and this includes the chassis with aluminium body and offers space for up to alternative drive variants. This means nearly all current 90 passengers in its various seating arrangements. The models can be run on biodiesel or synthetic diesel (HVO - E2876 engine that is installed in this vehicle fulfils the hydrotreated vegetable oil). EEV standard, offers 310 hp (228 kW) and has a range of up to 380 km. The aluminium body provides considerable Gas engines have been part of MAN’s portfolio for over 70 weight advantages in comparison with the structures years now, and since the year 2000, over 8000 CNG city used previously. This all adds up to give this bus excellent buses have been sold. This range welcomed its newest efficiency. member in 2010, in the form of the MAN Lion’s City Hybrid. In the next step towards emission-free transport, “The motto of this year’s World Expo is ‘Future Energy: MAN Truck & Bus is planning to start series production of Action for Global Sustainability’. What would be more a purely electric city bus by the end of 2019. 2017, September 23 24 2017, September
Iran increases CNG car production
According to the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade, domestic automakers produced 73,995 CNG cars and vans in the first four months year-on-year. As per the ministry statistics, the major share of CNG production belongs to Iran Khodro.
ehicle production data show that in the current organizations and environmentalists. fiscal (started in March) production of natural V gas bi-fuel vehicles increased 5.54% in the first Moreover, the head of Alternative Fuels Union Ali four months year-on-year (YOY). According to Mahmoudian said last week that if the government really the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade, domestic wants to reduce air polluting fuels like gasoline and diesel, automakers produced 73,995 CNG cars and vans in the cutting the price of compressed natural gas for domestic period. consumers would be imperative.
As per the ministry statistics, the major share of CNG “The share of CNG-powered transport is between 21% production belongs to Iran Khodro with 70,054 units -- a and 23%, but it can increase to 45-50% if consumers 19.11% increase YOY. IKCO’s CNG bi-fuel Peugeot 405 are encouraged to use more of the clean fuel by offering topped the list with 53,578 units. incentives such as reduced prices, he said”
The late 1990s Irish-designed Samand was second with According to Mahmoudian, the union has asked the 13,340 CNG-powered units and Peugeot Pars, a rehashed Oil Ministry for a 1,500-rial (4.5 cents) per cubic meter 405 design, output reached 3,136 units. price cut in CNG prices, and if the ministry endorses the proposal, the CNG price will be cut to around 9 cents from SAIPA’s Tiba production was put at 3,941 CNG units the approximately 12.6 cents per cubic meter. in the first four months, becoming the leading vehicle currently produced by the company. Tiba’s CNG rollout Mahmoudian also said that currently, about 2,400 CNG rate increased 144% YOY, which seems logical as SAIPA stations are operational nationwide, with a capacity to has been trying to gradually phase out production of supply 40-50 mcm/d. Actual daily supply of the fuel at the Pride following mounting pressure from auto safety filling stations is about 20-21 mcm/d on average. 2017, September 25
Hyundai launches Xcent CNG version
The Xcent Prime CNG model will have a 1.2-litre petrol engine that can also run on CNG. When running on petrol, this engine outputs 81 BHP and 114 Nm. The outputs of the CNG model will be quite lower.
his month, Hyundai is launching the CNG variant of factory fitted unit on the Xcent Prime and this is thanks the Xcent compact sedan in India. The CNG unit will to the high demand of the car as also the alternative fuel T be factory fit and will be available with the petrol in the market. The Xcent Prime currently sells around variant only. Under Hyundai’s ‘Prime’ nomenclature 2000-3000 units a month and with the addition of the for the Taxi segment, the Xcent will come powered by a CNG variant Hyundai is looking to add to those numbers 1.2-litre Kappa dual VTVT engine. and take the fight to none other than the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire Tour. Y.K. Koo, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said that “The company is all set to bring out a CNG variant in the Hyundai Xcent Prime CNG price in India Xcent Prime and this will be launched in September.” The CNG unit will be factory fitted and will be only available • Minimum Price • Rs 6 lakh with the petrol variant of the Xcent Prime which comes • Maximum Price • Rs 8 lakh with the 1.2-litre Kappa Dual VTVT engine produces 82 bhp and develops 114 Nm of peak torque. Hyundai had Currently, the Hyundai Xcent Prime petrol model has a announced in November 2015 that the Xcent and the starting price of Rs 5.45 lakh. The top model costs Rs 7.21 Grand i10 were available with CNG. lakh. The Diesel model has a starting price of Rs 6.31 lakh and a top price of Rs 8.13 lakh. Prices of the CNG model are The Xcent received the Dual ECU Dynamic Sequential likely to start at Rs 6 lakh and go all the way to Rs 8 lakh. Technology (DEDST) CNG kit with separate injectors. These injectors, according to the company, send optimum Hyundai Xcent Prime CNG specifications gas flow to the engine helping maintain adequate power and offering decent performance at all the time. • Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG The DEDST CNG kit fitted models were covered under • Engine Options: 1.2-litre, four-cylinder company’s two year unlimited kilometres warranty. • Max. Power: 81 BHP • Peak Torque: 114 Nm Now, however, Hyundai will be offering the CNG kit as a • Transmission Options: 5-Speed Manual/5-Speed Manual 26 2017, September
Hyundai Xcent Prime CNG mileage Hyundai Xcent Prime CNG Features
The Xcent Prime CNG model will have a claimed mileage • Rear AC Vents of 19 Kilometers per KG. This will ensure that the taxi-only • Power Steering variant offers a really low running cost. We are pretty sure • Power Windows this model would find a lot of takers in the taxi market. • 12V Charging Port
Datsun redi-GO now offered in NGV version variant now, Saigot says the redi-GO AMT version will come soon, within this fiscal year.
Kicking off at Rs 3,57,333 (ex-showroom India) the 1L three-cylinder redi-GO comes in two variants and is powered by the Intelligent Spark Automated Technology and mated to a five –speed manual transmission.
The company had started pre-bookings two weeks ago for it and Saigot says that the response so far has been extremely good. There are enough cars at the dealerships, to answer the demand so far. Hence he does not expect a waiting period as the production facility in Chennai can rollout sufficient numbers based on market demand.
The Datsun redi-GO that has just been launched in the The Datsun brand that also has in its stable the GO, GO Indian market in the 1L petrol option can be retro-fitted plus and the earlier 800 cc redi-GO launched in June 2016 with CNG as well. This was disclosed by Jerome Saigot, has so far sold 90,000 units of the models cumulatively. VP Datsun India to ETAuto who said:” The redi-GO engine The Datsun redi-GO sport limited edition launched last is compatible with CNG. If customers want to transform to October sold 1000 units within a month of its launch and CNG they can do so, and that is good news. However, we 3000 units totally. don’t have any plans to introduce diesel.” The production capacity for the Datsun brand is higher He clarified that it will not be risky converting the petrol than 90,000 units at the Chennai plant so the company hatchback to CNG if the customer so required. does not feel there will be any issue meeting any additional demand for the new model. Amongst rivals, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 comes in petrol and CNG options while the Hyundai Eon is available The Datsun redi-GO is already exported to neighbouring in LPG trim as well. countries of Sri lanka and Nepal and the carmaker is exploring opportunities in other markets as well for it. With alliance partner Renault’s Kwid offering the AMT The Datsun GO and GO plus are shipped to South Africa.
Indian Railways working on CNG technology Railways recently floated a tender inviting applicants to work on its diesel locomotives and develop systems that will ensure that 40% of diesel is substituted by CNG in a standard duty cycle of a DEMU, as specified by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation, a wing of railways.
“The tender specifies the engine to be worked upon in which the applicant will use the CNG substitution system. We have given the emission standard, the duty cycles are mentioned and we need 40% substitution,” said an official of the railway ministry. The dual fuel system will be able to simultaneously use CNG and diesel.Duty cycles differ on various routes depending on speed a train can attain and stops it makes. “There are eight notches and on lower notches CNG cannot be used. When a train is idling or is running on the first notch, CNG cannot be substituted,” Indian Railways is working on technologies that will the official said. enable 40% substitution of diesel by CNG in locomotives and nine-zoned solar panels on diesel electric multiple At present, the railways is running 19 locomotives which units (DEMUs). The move will help railways achieve its are designed to substitute 20% of diesel by CNG and the ‘Mission 41K’ target and reduce carbon footprint. number of such locomotives is expected to go up to 25. “We already have one train running at 53% CNG mixing The development comes close on the heels of railways from Sakurbasti (New Delhi),” said the official, adding flagging off a solar-powered DEMU, a six-coach rake, that 20% substitution of CNG means saving 8% of cost. which is expected to save 21,000 litre of diesel annually, Railways spends around Rs 17,500 crore each year on translating to savings of Rs 12 lakh, and also cut carbon diesel and 18% of the carrier’s operational expenses go emission by 9 tonne per year. Such initiatives are expected towards fuel cost including electricity. Prabhu had earlier to help it save Rs 41,000 crore in the next 10 years — said that railways’ energy bill should come down by 15%, called ‘Mission 41K’ — as envisaged by railway minister and claims to have saved Rs 4,000 crore on power bills Suresh Prabhu earlier this year. through various initiatives in the last three years. 2017, September 27
India: LNG-powered vehicles on the horizon
More long-haul goods and passenger transport vehicle fleets may run on LNG in the near future with the government and automakers support.
ndia is trucking into the age of gas, approving LNG, clearance,” said company MD Prabhat Singh. as automotive to help the smoke, spewing long-haul I goods and passenger transport fleet to undergo a This makes the Indian transport sector the latest entrant green makeover. The green signal has prompted - after a handful of nations led by the US and China - to truck and bus manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Ashok the LNG covenant. For a country where the transport Leyland, Mahindra & Mahindra and BharatBenz to step on sector guzzles 40% of diesel sales, the environmental the gas with LNG version of their vehicles. Some of these benefit from LNG, in terms of reduced vehicular pollution, manufacturers have already applied for vehicle ‘type will be huge. approval’, a matter of 2-3 months. A 2015 Morgan Stanley report said globally natural gas The makeover is being driven by Petronet LNG, India’s vehicles were displacing 1.5 million barrels a day of oil. largest LNG importer. But the seed was sown by oil That number could double - or even grow by another 5.6 minister Dharmendra Pradhan in November last year by million barrels a day, equivalent to China’s oil imports in launching India’s first LNG bus in Kerala as a pilot project. 2015 - by 2021. Since then, both he and road transport minister Nitin Gadkari have been talking of running locomotives and Petronet is eyeing 2.5 lakh new trucks and 85,000 buses barges on LNG. that join the fleet every year. “Besides, we are also talking to Gujarat and Kerala road transport corporations for Encouraged by the pilot project’s result, government running 20 and 10 LNG buses, respectively, in the first approval and response of the truck makers, Petronet phase. Altogether, we see potential of 8-9 million tonne of is setting up 20 LNG stations at petrol pumps on annual LNG sales in the automotive sector, in say, five highways along the west coast that connect Delhi with years,” Singh said. Thiruvananthapuram covering a total distance of 4,500 km via Mumbai and Bengaluru.
“Today you don’t think twice before hitting the highway in your car as you are sure of getting fuel. We want to establish a similar certainty for LNG. Talks are on with oil marketing companies for LNG facilities at petrol pumps and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation for 28 2017, September
Alternative fuel buses in Goa
Goa government launched a biogas bus and two These three buses will be a part of the state-run ethanol buses as a pilot project on the occasion of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL)’s existing Independence Day. It intends to have over 40 such fleet during the three-month pilot project. The biogas buses by February 2018, which will run on the eco- and ethanol bus service will ply on the Panaji, Vasco and friendly fuel. Margao routes as shuttle service at the regular rates.
The 36-seater multi-axle buses were flagged-off from KTCL’s managing director Derick Pereira Neto welcomed the Adil Shah Palace in Panaji by governor, Mridula the state’s initiative to switch to non-polluting transport Sinha. It will be sustained through biogas generated at solutions. the solid waste management plant at Saligao, she said. “This is a green initiative that we are undertaking on a “After the pilot period, we will adopt this technology in trial basis. After three months, we will take a call on how Goa, which can be adopted in the other Indian states to go about it. We will later get 45 more buses on similar as well. This will bring comfort to Goa and help reduce lines,” he said. environmental pollution in the state,” Sinha stated. Managing director of the business unit, Scania, Mikael Provided by Scania Commercial Vehicles India, two Benje said, “Goa has a deep interest in going green and buses running on ethanol were also launched on the the government is also proactive. This move of biogas-run occasion. Each of the buses costs Rs 1.8 crore and can buses will lead to cleaner cities, healthy environment and run up to 700km. happier citizens. We are delighted to help Goa make the transition to green fuel.” 2017, September 29
Government of India aiming to increase the share of natural gas in energy mix
According to Enicon’s report, natural gas industry in India is expected to necessitate investments of at least INR 65,000 crores to augment pipeline infrastructure and gas import.
ndia has been on a constant economic growth path Business case for natural gas development in India: from past two decades and this rise is coupled with I increased energy consumption to thrust the fast 1. Government is planning to encourage an investment of growing economy. Basis India’s anticipated growth USD 20 Billion for developing domestic gas fields in India in aspirations, it is evident that access to abundant and upcoming 5-7 years. economically viable energy will be crucial to sustaining the trajectory of this growth. India has limitations in terms 2. ONGC is lining up USD 5.07 Billion to produce over of indigenous energy resources apart from coal and will 16 million standard cubic meters per day of natural gas necessarily have to diversify its fuel mix and look to global discoveries in its KG – DWN -98/2 block. energy markets for its energy needs. 3. India prioritizing to become natural gas based economy India has limited natural gas reserves. Development and is making efforts to raise the domestic production of of unconventional natural gas resources is also on the fuel. cards in India with ample weightage on CBM and Shale gas development but the lack of data and technology 4. Odisha is planning to raise an investment to the tune of is hitting the same. Hence, domestic production of INR 7700 Crores for expanding its LPG and LNG terminals. natural gas in India is highly unlikely to keep up with the demand and the country has to rely on imports to The demand of natural gas in India is expected to depict meet its demand. Moreover, the domestic production in a healthy growth trajectory till 2029-30. The highest India has been concentrated over western and southern demand will be from the power sector and it is expected region of the country and in absence of adequate natural to contribute ~ 36% to 47% of the total demand. The share gas pipeline infrastructure the northern and eastern of fertilizer sector is expected to drop from current levels region of the country are gas starved. However, to satiate of 25% to 15% due to higher growth registered in other the increasing demand and strengthen the domestic sectors. CGD is expected to register fastest growth in the gas distribution within the country, the government is use of natural gas and is expected to contribute 11% of the planning to increase the share of natural gas in India’s total demand by 2030. energy mix to 15% which shall at large necessitate investments of at least USD 10.8 Billion for augmenting Another fuel that can also be a long term solution to India’s gas import and pipelines infrastructure. needs is LNG, given that it is a proven and commercially 30 2017, September
viable energy source. While globally LNG enjoys the exorbitant rates. On the contrary many Asian {in particular status of being half-a-century old industry, in India it is the Japan – Korea - Taiwan (JKT) Trio} counterparts have still in the nascent phase courtesy the country’s absence depicted that a country can have a viable development from first round of LNG trade growth. However, over a model driven by LNG provided there is sufficient short period of time the usage of LNG in India has shot farsightedness and ample planning. Thus, it is pertinent to up dramatically but in a haphazard manner. The market note that due to the structural deficiencies of India’s participants in the LNG business in India were by and large domestic energy sources, it will have to rely on steady LNG unable to cash in the advantage of flexibility afforded by imports. This would lead to an aggressively competitive the evolving mechanisms in LNG contracting, shipping and environment for LNG capacity additions in both existing infrastructure to contrive favourable terms of trade. and upcoming LNG projects in India. Also, there is consistent evolution in terms of pricing mechanisms and India cuts out a sorry state as LNG in the sovereign is contracting structures too are designed to accommodate associated with spot cargoes and carrier connotations of new price discovery models and have more equitable ad-hoc supplies leaving the consumers reeling at distribution of risks.
Black & Veatch wins India’s first floating Swan LNG Private Limited (a subsidiary of Swan Energy LNG project Limited) has awarded Black & Veatch the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to deliver the jetty topside and onshore LNG facilities for the 5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) plant at Jafrabad in Gujarat. The new FSRU will be moored to a fixed jetty and regasify imported LNG to enable distribution by pipeline and road tanker. The facility is expected to go on-stream by early-2020.
Rajiv Menon, Managing Director, Black & Veatch India said, “The Indian government aims to significantly increase LNG import capacity by 2022. This project is a major step in this direction. The Jafrabad project, along with the Indian Oil Corporation’s LNG receiving terminal project at Ennore, signifies the trust placed by the industry in Black & Veatch to deliver LNG projects.”
Black & Veatch will deliver critical elements of India’s The Indian oil & gas team is a Black & Veatch centre first floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) LNG of excellence that has helped the company deliver the import terminal. The project, which supports India’s plans world’s first commercially proven FLNG facility, and to double the country’s LNG capacity, will help develop the first conversion of an LNG carrier to a floating LNG the national gas market, projected to be one of the fastest vessel. These world-class skills will now be used to growing in the world during the next two decades. develop India’s domestic LNG import infrastructure. 2017, September 31
South Korean LNG-powered vessel gains recognition
The “Econuri” is Asia’s very first LNG-fuelled ship and is attracting international attention for its energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. The ship was launched in of 2013 and can accommodate up to 57 passengers.
n LNG-powered vessel built by the Incheon Port Conference, the IPA is scheduled to hold a seminar later Authority (IPA) is attracting international attention this year on the success of the Econuri and the eco- A for its energy efficiency and environmental friendly policy the organization pursues. friendliness. According to IPA officials, the vessel, which the organization claims to be Asia’s very first LNG- fuelled ship, received international attention at this year’s Korea Gas and POSCO Daewoo bid for LNG LNG Bunkering Conference held in Singapore. terminal in Bangladesh
During the conference, IPA officials shared know-how and South Korea’s state-run Korea Gas Corp. has jointly information regarding the management and construction submitted a preliminary bid with POSCO Daewoo of the LNG-fuelled vessel ‘Econuri’. Corp. construction for a terminal for importing LNG in Bangladesh, according to Korea Gas officials on Sunday.
Measuring 38 metres in height and 8 metres in width, the A consortium formed by Korea Gas and POSCO Daewoo 200-ton Econuri can accommodate up to 57 passengers recently submitted its expression of interest to the with a cruising speed of speed of 27.7 kilometres per hour. Bangladesh government for the terminal with an annual capacity of 7.5 million tons of LNG. Since the ship was first launched in the summer of 2013, more than 9,000 people have been on board for 395 SK E&S Co., an energy affiliate of South Korea’s SK journeys. Group, is also believed to have submitted a preliminary bid for the project.
Compared to diesel-fuelled vessels, the LNG-powered One North American, two Chinese, and five Japanese vessel offers fuel cost savings of 24 percent and drastically firms were among the preliminary bidders. The reduced emissions of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide. Bangladesh government is expected to shortlist the bidders to five next year. Following its participation at the LNG Bunkering 2017 32 2017, September
Hyundai announces next-gen hydrogen fuel cell model featuring more range
Hyundai Motor unveiled the striking design and impressive capabilities of its new hydrogen vehicle, with advanced fuel cell technology boosting range, performance and durability. The model will accelerate rollout of green vehicles, as part of the brand’s new eco-vehicle development roadmap.
yundai Motor has offered an early glimpse of increase from the ix35’s 55.3%. With enhanced system its next generation fuel cell vehicle, well ahead efficiency, the new model targets a driving range of more H of the hydrogen-powered SUV’s official launch than 580km on a single charge (based on Korean testing early next year. At a special preview event held standards). in Seoul, the near-production-ready version exhibited its impressive capabilities while revealing its futuristic Performance (maximum output): The new model’s design. The yet-to-be-named model embodies Hyundai maximum output is enhanced by 20% compared to its Motor’s commitment to a new era for advanced eco- predecessor, boasting an impressive 163PS of power. friendly vehicle development. The fuel cell SUV also improves the car’s cold start capability, overcoming the challenges of starting fuel The new SUV shown at the special event previews cell vehicles in temperatures below freezing point. Hyundai Motor’s second commercially produced The vehicle’s architecture is optimized to allow it to be hydrogen model and uses the company’s fourth started at -30 degrees Celsius (22 degrees Fahrenheit), generation of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The vehicle, by incorporating key components in the fuel stack its capabilities and fuel cell technologies are an evolution developed by Hyundai Motor. In addition to boosting the of Hyundai Motor’s global research, development and new car’s capabilities, the enhanced components - such real-world evaluation programs. The new vehicle as MEA (membrane electrode assembly) and bipolar reinforces the company’s leadership in fuel cell-based plates - also helped to reduce production costs. electric-powertrain systems, created with expertise honed through the world’s first commercial production of Durability: By employing highly durable catalyst a fuel cell vehicle in 2013. technology, the new hydrogen-powered SUV ensures even greater longevity than its predecessor. The new fuel cell model was developed on four key pillars that focus on fuel cell system efficiency, Hydrogen storage: The next generation hydrogen vehicle performance (maximum output), durability, and tank makes significant improvements in tank storage density. storage density. The tank package now features three equally-sized tanks, as opposed to two of different sizes. World-class Fuel cell system efficiency: By enhancing fuel cell tank gravimetric capacity (hydrogen storage mass per performance, reducing hydrogen consumption, and tank weight) was achieved through innovations to the optimizing key components, the vehicle’s efficiency plastic liner configuration and efficient layering pattern, is greatly improved compared to the its predecesoor, which resulted in a reduction of thickness. the ix35 Fuel Cell (Tucson Fuel Cell in some markets). The new SUV boasts an efficiency level of 60%, or a 9% The mass-produced new vehicle will also feature 2017, September 33
advanced driver assistance technologies, alongside its extensive hydrogen-powered range. The details of the Toyota will help Japanese stores cut new ADAS features will be disclosed in January at the emissions with H2 technology 2018 CES, along with the official model name. Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd. and Toyota Motor “With exceptional efficiency, serene styling, and Corporation have concluded a basic agreement for uncompromised performance, our next generation fuel studies on energy conservation and CO2 emissions reduction in convenience store distribution and cell SUV is the true epitome of an eco-friendly vehicle of operation. The two companies aim to contribute to the the future,” said Lee Ki-sang, Senior Vice President of realization of a low-carbon and hydrogen-based society Hyundai Motor Group’s Eco Technology Center. “Hyundai in the future, by way of introducing vehicles and power Motor will take lead in developing and producing green generators to be newly developed by Toyota that use energy vehicles that would ultimately complement a hydrogen. near-zero emission society.” Fuel cell trucks, in which the refrigeration/freezer unit, The design and the truck itself, are powered by fuel cells, will be introduced as refrigerator/freezer trucks for stores with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions. The new FCEV inherits striking design features from the FE Concept, which was introduced at the 2017 Moreover, an energy management system will be Geneva Auto Show. The new model builds on the introduced to enable greater energy conservation and earlier concept’s design, taking an organic and flowing CO2 emissions reduction. form, inspired by nature - namely water, the car’s only emission - with the clean design emphasizing its non- The project also plans to introduce a stationary polluting nature. hydrogen generator utilizing an automotive fuel cell unit, and a fuel cell power generator as a power source The new vehicle embodies pure and serene design, which at stores with hydrogen stations. reflects its calming presence on the road. It also exhibits a confident, charismatic SUV stance, that reflects its capabilities to travel long distances and explore remote (TMED) system, which was developed in 2011. places, all while being in harmony with nature. Hyundai Motor will strengthen its global leadership A number of minimalist design elements highlight the in hydrogen fuel cell technology. This will center on model’s technical maturity and cutting-edge technology. enhancing research and development efforts to boost The simple full width position lamps create a futuristic FCEV performance and durability, while also making the effect that again reflects nature, representing the edge of technology smaller and cheaper so that it can be applied the horizon. to smaller sedans. As part of these efforts, Hyundai Motor will unveil a new hydrogen-powered bus in the Reflecting the exterior design, the interior features fourth quarter of this year. subdued yet sophisticated colors inspired by nature. The understated tones help create an ultramodern Hydrogen-based society environment, complemented by industry leading bio- materials with eco-friendly certification. Completing the Hyundai Motor will also take part in the Hydrogen House, futuristic finish is a unique blend of woven fabric and projected by the Seoul city government, displaying suede used for accents in the seat design. prototypes of the new fuel cell vehicle starting today until November 17 that will promote emission-free fuel cell Eco-vehicle development roadmap vehicles and a Hydrogen Society. It is through initiatives like this that Hyundai Motor will demonstrate how a The new model will spearhead Hyundai Motor’s plans Hydrogen Energy Society could be realized in the not- to accelerate development of low emission vehicles, too-distant future. in line with Hyundai Motor Group’s renewed goal of introducing 31 eco-friendly models (Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Motor, the world’s first automaker to have Kia Motors combined) to global markets by 2020. This introduced a mass production line for hydrogen fuel new development roadmap also represents the next cell cars, has supplied fuel cell vehicles since 2013, step for Hyundai Motor and its affiliate toward realizing and now sells them in 18 countries around the world. the ultimate ambition of creating a cleaner environment The company began researching fuel cell technology in through eco-friendly vehicles. 1998 and developed its first fuel cell vehicle based on the Santa Fe SUV, as part of a collaboration with CaFCP Hyundai Motor plans to take a multi-pronged approach to (California Fuel Cell Partnership). its eco-vehicle program. The company is committed to a future vehicle line-up comprising a variety of powertrain Through numerous years of development and production, options - electric, hybrid and fuel cell - to suit customers’ Hyundai Motor has proved that fuel cell vehicles are as varied lifestyles. competitive as internal combustion engine cars in terms of safety and reliability. Spurred on by greater global demand for fuel-efficient, eco-friendly vehicles, the roadmap sets out the brand’s Hyundai Motor will reveal the new hydrogen SUV early goal of leading the global popularization of hybrid next year in Korea, followed by the North American and vehicles, expanding its lineup to SUVs and large vehicles. European markets. The company will also consider Another part of the plan is the development of 4WD and expanding availability of its new fuel cell model to FR (Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive) variants, building on markets with high growth potential for eco-friendly its proprietary Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device vehicles such as China. 34 2017, September
Waste operator reaches key milestone with 100th CNG station
Waste Management opened its 100th natural gas fueling station in the country and achieved a fleet with 6,000 natural gas trucks, the largest heavy-duty fleet of its kind in North America.
aste Management announced a significant heavy-duty fleet and we plan to do even more!” milestone in its natural gas fleet journey, W opening its 100th natural gas fueling station, Waste Management operates 100 fueling stations in located in Oklahoma City. The company also North America, with 25 open to the public. It constructs celebrated a significant milestone of operating 6,000 its fueling stations, which it owns and operates, natural gas trucks, which is the largest heavy-duty purchases the fuel, and finances the construction of fleet of its kind in North America. “We invest in building the facilities. Waste Management trucks connect to our own fueling infrastructure to refuel our vehicles, fuel systems at the station and are refueled via a slow while making CNG available to other commercial fleets overnight fueling process. At the company’s public and individuals,” said Marty Tufte, Waste Management access fueling stations, dedicated fast-fill pumps serve corporate fleet director. both commercial and consumer vehicles.
“Waste Management’s mission is to maximize resource As a pioneer in the use of natural gas in its fleet since the value, while minimizing environmental impact so that our early 1990’s, Waste Management established a goal to customers, our company, our economy and our environment reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve the can thrive,” said Jim Trevathan, Waste Management efficiency of its on-road fleet by 15% by 2020 (based on executive vice president and chief operating officer. “This 2007 levels). The goal was achieved in 2011, and with the milestone is certainly a stellar example of this, and we’re increasing adoption of NGVs, the company continues to proud to be the leader in the adoption of natural gas for our exceed this goal each year. 2017, September 35
CNG station opens in Tennessee to serve Frito-Lay’s truck fleet
American Natural Gas (ANG) held a ribbon cutting “We are thrilled that Frito-Lay selected Fayetteville and ceremony, in collaboration with Tennessee Clean Fuels, Tennessee as a site to continue expanding their CNG fleet to unveil its new public CNG station in Fayetteville, and are excited to get to know ANG as they help make it Tennessee. The facility will be open to the public and happen,” said Jonathan Overly, director of Tennessee Clean PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division will be a major customer Fuels. “CNG has so many benefits: it reduces greenhouse with its fleet of CNG tractor-trailers. Open 24-hours, the gas and criteria pollutant emissions, supports growing more fast-fill station has three consumer-friendly dispensers green American jobs, and reduces oil imports – don’t forget equipped with NGV2 nozzles to optimize the experience that we are still roughly 20% dependent on countries like for heavy-duty, high-capacity users, as well as NGV1 OPEC member-states for overseas oil. Frito-Lay and ANG nozzles for light and medium-duty use. are helping us build a stronger and more independent and resilient USA.” “At ANG, we’re committed to building better stations, serving our customers, and introducing the power “We could not be more excited about the completion of of CNG to new communities across the country,” this ANG CNG fueling station, which is located just a few said Drew West, CEO of ANG. “It’s an honor to be in miles from Frito-Lay’s Fayetteville manufacturing facility,” Fayetteville today to celebrate our new station, highlight said Ken Marko, senior national fleet sustainability the achievements of the region’s energy pioneers, and manager, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division. “Having a national honor Frito-Lay for its distinguished leadership and infrastructure for alternative fuel is critical to the expansion commitment to moving the alternative fuel industry of Frito-Lay’s CNG fleet and for other companies currently forward.” using or considering this technology.” 36 2017, September
Heavy-duty fleets in California and Nebraska secure natural gas supply
Sheehy’s NGV fleet expansion in Omaha is a team effort across multiple agencies and sectors. Metropolitan Utilities District manages the CNG Fleet Fund Program, which helps offset the incremental cost of purchasing natural gas vehicles. Sheehy applied to this program and was awarded incentives to purchase four new Freightliner CNG trucks. Since 2013, the CNG Fleet Fund Program assisted in the purchase of more than 110 vehicles in the Omaha market.
Moreover, Oxnard-based Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) in California recently selected Trillium CNG to design and build a private fueling station for its fleet of CNG buses. GCTD is building a new maintenance and operations facility, which includes a new administration and operations building, fleet maintenance and repair building, and a CNG fueling station.
Prominent mail contractor, Sheehy Mail Contractors, Inc., The NGV portion of the new station includes three partnered with Love’s Trillium CNG after expanding its compressors; robust storage; a dual-tower, automatic natural gas vehicle fleet to stop and refuel at the Trillium regeneration dryer; three single-hose transit dispensers; CNG refueling station in Omaha, Nebraska. “Partnering and a dual-hose light-duty dispenser. “This new fueling with fleets like Sheehy helps us make the most of our station, scheduled to open in fall 2018, will serve our existing public-station network as well as identify the next needs as we expand our fleet and provide more service to wave of infrastructure needs for the market,” said Bill the residents of our district,” said Steven Brown, general Cashmareck, managing director of Trillium CNG. manager for GCTD.
Clean Energy serves more southwestern fleets with (bio)gas
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), one of the country’s along with the National Park Service Grand Canyon largest transit agencies to move away from diesel to and Kings County Area Public Transit in Hanford, natural gas, has extended Clean Energy’s operation and California, have each signed operations and maintenance maintenance contract for an additional four years. Clean agreements with Clean Energy for their stations. These Energy services DART’s four CNG facilities supporting agencies are estimated to dispense close to 6 million 537 buses and 123 shuttles and paratransit vehicles. GGEs per year. These stations are anticipated to dispense approximately 40 million gasoline gallon equivalents (GGEs) over the Moreover, Clean Energy Fuels announced that LSG Sky contract period. Chefs, the world’s leading provider of airline catering, will use Clean Energy refueling stations to power a new fleet Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority (LAMTA) of CNG vehicles at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International approved the purchase of an additional 65 CNG buses, Airport. The new fleet of 20 CNG catering trucks is expanding on a purchase earlier in July of 295, for a total anticipated to use 50,000 gasoline gallon equivalents of 360 new CNG buses. LAMTA currently operates the (GGEs) each year and will be able to conveniently fuel largest CNG fleet in the nation with a total of 2,250 buses, at Clean Energy’s existing station at DFW. The purchase all of which may, at the option of LAMTA, be fueled by of the trucks was supported by a grant from the Texas Clean Energy’s Redeem™ brand of renewable natural Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to replace gas. These new buses will be fitted with CWI’s latest L9N LSG Sky Chef’s aging diesel fleet. engines, which have NOx emissions 90% lower than the current EPA NOx limit of 0.2 g/bhp-hr. “At LSG Sky Chefs, we have a strong commitment to both our customers and the communities we serve,” said Todd In addition to these two agreements in the transit market, Liddle, Director of Last Mile Logistics at LSG Sky Chefs. Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit has extended its LNG “By using alternative fuels such as natural gas, we can fueling contract with Clean Energy, as has Orange County cut our greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to Transportation Authority. offer world class service.” By switching to CNG, LSG Sky Chef’s will reduce their emissions by 132 metric tons, the The Cities of Fresno, California, and Tempe, Arizona, equivalent of planting 3,300+ trees every year. 2017, September 37
Transit operators move to CNG buses to cut environmental impact
New Flyer was awarded a $68 million contract from LA Metro for 65 60-foot CNG articulated buses, which will replace buses that have passed the end of their useful lives. Moreover, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will introduce 175 natural gas buses. The Rapid also announced that Grand Rapids will roll out Michigan’s largest NGV fleet.
The Rapid Authority (Metro) Board unanimously adopted a motion endorsing a comprehensive plan to transition the agency to he Rapid and the City of Grand Rapids unveiled a a 100% zero emission bus fleet by 2030. Metro is the largest new plan to roll out what will become Michigan’s American transportation agency to endorse such a goal. T largest fleet of CNG environmentally friendly Since 1993, the Metro Board has been committed to buying buses and that will soon be cruising the streets alternative energy buses and retired its last diesel bus in of Downtown and Greater Grand Rapids. Bus riders will 2011. Metro currently operates a fleet of 100% CNG buses. see 33 of the alternative fuel vehicles in 2017, including 28 in service for The Rapid on bus lines throughout Greater In a first step, Metro awarded two contracts totaling Grand Rapids and five for the City’s free DASH shuttle approximately $108 million for manufacture and delivery of service in Downtown operated by The Rapid. 60 40-foot zero emission buses and 35 60-foot zero emission articulated buses as part of Metro’s move toward a 100% Plans call for The Rapid’s 150-vehicle fleet to include 92 zero emission fleet by 2030. Contracts will go to BYD for CNG buses by 2021, which will make up Michigan’s largest the 40-foot buses to run on the Silver Line and to New Flyer system of natural gas buses. The City plans to purchase for the 60-foot articulated buses, which will be assigned to an additional four CNG vehicles in 2018 for the DASH and the Orange Line. “We’re making bold investments in new replace its entire fleet of diesel DASH buses over the next technology because Metro is serious about making our three years. air cleaner and communities healthier,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti, Chair of the Metro Board. Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said: “Through a strong partnership between the City and The Rapid, we can New Flyer was also awarded a $68 million contract for 65 use these new vehicles to continue our efforts that improve 60-foot CNG articulated buses. This award will be used the quality of the air we breathe and the environment we to replace CNG buses that have passed the end of their enjoy. “This plan also allows us to be even more efficient useful lives and are slated for retirement. The contract stewards of taxpayer dollars by reducing the cost of includes the cost of optional vehicle features, spare parts operations moving forward.” and training aids.
Over the five-year period, the transition to NGVs will reduce The NGV purchase does not contradict Metro’s move toward The Rapid and Mobile GR’s greenhouse gas emissions by a 100 percent zero emission fleet. Rather, it is part of Metro’s more than 1 million metric tons over the use of diesel, fleet replacement plans for fiscal years 2018 to 2022, which pose no threat to land or water if a spill occurs as CNG is dictate minimum retirement eligibility age and mileage of nontoxic, generate a combined total savings of $4.5 million, buses and confirm Metro’s commitment to lowering the ensure access to an American-made fuel source with an average age of its fleet to ensure that passengers experience abundant 100-year supply, diminishing Greater Grand travel that is safe, reliable and comfortable. Rapids’ reliance on foreign oil. MBTA LA Metro Highlighting the progress made under two years of the The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Fiscal and Management Control Board’s (FMCB) leadership 38 2017, September
of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), Omaha Metro MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack and MBTA Interim General Manager Steve Poftak marked the delivery Metro’s Board of Directors has approved the purchase of of 345 new buses to the MBTA’s service fleet, helping to nine CNG powered buses for Metro’s paratransit service, replace the busy Washington Street corridor between MOBY. They will replace current vehicles that have Roxbury and downtown Boston. The $283 million in orders, reached their useful life, as calculated by the Federal placed in 2015, includes 175 natural gas buses. Transit Administration (FTA). MOBY is a shared, curb- to-curb complementary paratransit service operated “In two short years, the hard working volunteer members within the Omaha city limits. It provides transportation of the FMCB and leadership at MassDOT and the MBTA for ADA-certified trips within three-fourths of a mile on have made important strides in delivering the reforms each side of all fixed routes. and upgrades to make our Commonwealth’s public transit system more accountable to taxpayers and riders,” said The introduction of CNG-powered vehicles is part of a Governor Baker. “With 375 new buses and 428 new cars larger sustainability initiative by Metro to transition to joining the fleet and critical infrastructure improvements, the more environmentally-friendly fuel options, such as MBTA is making the investments that ensure riders have the CNG and clean diesel. more reliable and dependable service they deserve.” Metro was also recently awarded a competitive federal “With the support of Governor Baker and Lt Governor Polito, grant for $2.4 million to help purchase CNG-powered MassDOT and the MBTA are making smart short- and long- buses to enhance Metro’s fixed route fleet. These term investments in the core infrastructure to improve the vehicles will assist in maintaining air quality and reduce health of the MBTA’s system,” said Secretary Pollack. “The harmful toxins and greenhouse gases, furthering FMCB has taken action to modernize the fleet of buses and Metro’s commitment to environmental practices and rail vehicles in order to deliver more reliable service to our sustainability. customers.” Metro is sourcing these vehicles through a “Delivering quality bus service is an integral part of the competitively-bid contract through the State of MBTA’s multi-modal system, connecting people to jobs, Nebraska, which was awarded to Master’s school, shopping, and recreation,” said Interim General Transportation on March 23, 2017. The $801,000 Manager Poftak. “These state-of-the-art vehicles purchase is financed with federal matching funds. The incorporate proven technology to deliver reliable service, FTA’s contribution of $680,850 will be matched by a provide significantly better fuel economy, and offer better $100,000 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust accommodations for customers with mobility challenges.” and $20,150 allocation from Metro.
Ontario launches pilot with first natural gas-powered coach in Canada
Ontario Northland has launched a CNG motor coach as this pilot.” part of its fleet. The pilot project is in partnership with Motor Coach Industries (MCI), Union Gas, Envoy Energy, “Supporting new green technology like CNG will help WSP and Change Energy, the global environmental Ontario Northland reduce its reliance on diesel fuels and and sustainability consultant conducting the feasibility positively contribute to the province’s greenhouse gas study on the initiative. The vehicle will operate as emissions reduction targets,” said Bill Mauro, Minister an additional coach, providing overflow support to of Northern Development and Mines. “Our government is scheduled motor coach service. Customer feedback, committed to helping protect the environment and fighting maintenance staff, and driver reviews will help to inform climate change.” the feasibility study of the possibility of adopting CNG technology in the future. “We are pleased to partner with Ontario Northland by providing an interim CNG fueling option to support this “This green initiative is just one way in which Ontario motor coach pilot,” commented Sarah Van Der Paelt, Northland is exploring innovative new equipment and Union Gas. “CNG can reduce carbon emissions by up to technologies,” said Corina Moore, President and CEO. 20% compared to diesel, lower maintenance fees and “We are committed to further reducing green house gas provide cost reduction.” emissions by participating with Union Gas and MCI in 2017, September 39
University of California unveils results of ultra clean CNG bus tests
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) College of engines, one in a refuse hauler and one in a Metro bus. In Engineering Center for Environmental Research and both cases, the NOx emissions were surprisingly low and Technology (CE-CERT) and SoCalGas have announced the 99% cleaner than the current standard and 99.96% cleaner results of a new study on ultra-low emission natural gas than the 2004 standard,” said Kent Johnson, associate heavy-duty engines. The study found that a Los Angeles research engineer for CE-CERT and lead researcher on County Metropolitan Transit Agency (Metro) bus equipped this study. “The engine will provide immediate NOx relief with an ultra-low emission natural gas engine performs to our region at a low cost, and coupled with biomethane, significantly cleaner than its certification standards would provide long-term stability to our energy and climate across all duty cycles. change needs.”
Researchers tested the Cummins Westport ISL G near George Minter, regional vice president for external affairs zero natural gas engine in a variety of conditions typical and environmental strategy for SoCalGas said: “The UC of a Metro bus. In all conditions, the engine performed Riverside data suggests that this natural gas bus is as clean better than California’s toughest-in-the-nation standard as an electric bus when it comes to meeting air quality for smog-forming emissions. In some driving conditions standards. And when these buses are fueled with renewable emissions were practically zero. natural gas, the greenhouse gas reductions are even greater. By deploying this technology, large bus fleets like Metro’s “We have tested two of the ISL G near-zero 8.9 liter have a tremendous opportunity to achieve clean air gains.” 40 2017, September
Californian pipelines increasing offer of renewable natural gas
SoCalGas is helping renewable gas production facilities connect to the company’s natural gas pipeline system. That renewable gas will be used in transportation as well as in homes and businesses.
California dairy farm powers truck with methane from cow manure
outhern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) announced new initiatives that will make it easier for renewable California dairy farmer Albert Straus, a pioneer in organic S gas production facilities to connect to the company’s dairy and sustainable agriculture, announced the launch natural gas pipeline system. First is the creation of of the first full-scale electric truck—powered by cow poop. a downloadable toolkit to assist renewable gas producers This new full-scale-electric feed truck is the next step in and developers who are interested in interconnecting their Straus’ quest to show that his Marin county organic dairy projects with the pipeline network. New provisions will farm can be carbon positive, using agriculture as a solution to reversing climate change. also enable SoCalGas and producers to accelerate the interconnection process by procuring the necessary material Straus, along with a local mechanic, spent eight years much earlier than previously allowed. developing the 33,000 lb. gross weight International Harvester truck to use as a feed truck on his farm. The Like electricity, natural gas can be made from renewable truck measures, mixes and hauls feed before dropping it sources. About 80% of all methane emissions in California into the trough for his nearly 300 organic dairy cows. An come from the state’s dairy and farm operations, landfills environmentally-friendly alternative to diesel-fueled trucks, and wastewater treatment plants. That methane can be the feed truck’s motor is charged from electrical power harnessed and cleaned to produce renewable natural gas for generated from methane gas produced by the cows’ own manure. use in transportation as well as in homes and businesses. California dairy farmers are facing pressure to lower Already, 60% of the fuel used in natural gas vehicles in methane emissions under the state’s ambitious new California is renewable, and SoCalGas expects that to greenhouse gas reduction laws, which include methane increase to 90% by 2018. “Renewable natural gas will also emission reduction targets of 40% below 2013 levels by help transform transportation in the state, which accounts 2030. The state’s Air Resources Board says that much of the for 80% of smog-forming pollution and that disproportionally reduction should come from converting methane from cow burdens our most vulnerable communities. With today’s manure into energy, as dairy manure accounts for about a technology, we can harness this otherwise wasted energy quarter of the state’s methane emissions. “My truck is not only a practical tool for my organic farm, but also a symbol to decarbonize our pipeline system, reduce greenhouse gas of the resourcefulness we need to fight climate change, emissions, and slow climate change,” said Lisa Alexander, which threatens our business and the future of American vice president of customer solutions for SoCalGas. farming,” said Albert Straus, CEO and founder of Straus Family Creamery. SoCalGas aims to build and operate more renewable natural gas interconnection facilities throughout California to bring Straus’ methane digester has been powering his farm since more clean, renewable natural gas to its customers. The 2004. Working with the Marin Carbon Project, his 500-acre company will complete its first renewable natural gas farm is California’s first dairy to develop a 20-year carbon interconnection project in Perris, California. When the farming plan to sequester 2,000 metric tons of carbon every year. Straus’ goal is to demonstrate to the farming project is completed, renewable natural gas produced by a community and public that farmers can implement and waste management company will power a fleet of more than teach others practical solutions to climate change. 320 waste hauling trucks. 2017, September 41
U.S. Energy Department invests in clean fuel mobility projects
The $13.4 million community-based projects focused on energy efficient mobility systems will include alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure including natural gas, LPG, biofuels, hydrogen, and electricity.
he Energy Department (DOE) announced $13.4 collect data, and inform research on energy efficient million in support of five new cost-shared, transportation technologies and systems include two T community-based projects focused on energy alternative fuel community partner projects across the efficient mobility systems including connected Southeast and Midwest regions that will bring together and autonomous vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles over 20 diverse partners including communities, and infrastructure including natural gas, LPG, biofuels, businesses, fleets and Clean Cities coalitions. hydrogen, and electricity. First, the Center for Transportation and the Environment This Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) funding is an (Atlanta, Georgia) and its partners will receive $4.6 investment in highly-innovative, highly-leveraged, and million to accelerate the deployment of alternative fuel scalable projects that will provide real-world experience vehicles and infrastructure throughout the southeastern and generate knowledge and lessons learned to help United States. Moreover, the Metropolitan Energy Center, improve energy security, support energy independence, Inc. (Kansas City, Missouri) and its partners will receive improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen U.S. $3.8 million to accelerate the deployment of alternative economic competitiveness. fuel vehicles, as well as supporting infrastructure, through community-based partnerships throughout The initiatives serving as “living labs” to test new ideas, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado. 42 2017, September
First LNG/diesel mobile refueler delivered in Florida
The first dual LNG/diesel refueling truck, Kenworth T800 and Chart’s Orca unit, was designed and built for a large rock quarry customer in Florida, who is using the vehicle to refuel its fleet of natural gas haul trucks.
hart and Ground Force Worldwide (GFW) announced The two companies had not worked together previously the launch of the first dual LNG/diesel refueling and this was GFW’s first excursion into LNG and cryogenics C truck, which was designed and built for a large rock but both companies pronounced the collaborative effort quarry customer in Florida. The customer is using the a resounding success. With the mining sector showing vehicle as a fueling solution for their recently converted fleet increased interest in LNG and the major rigid truck OEMs of haul trucks, which were retrofitted with LNG conversions. developing LNG and LNG/diesel hybrid haulers, there is certainly scope for this valuable partnership to flourish. The truck is based on a Kenworth T800 and Chart’s Orca unit, which celebrates its 21st birthday this year. Originally Importantly, the partners have been able to gather developed as the most efficient way of delivering packaged information from the field with the quarry reportedly atmospheric gases, the latest incarnation of this most impressed with the unit’s build quality and an ability to fuel versatile unit bears testament to its longevity and durability. 50% faster than with its previous system. 2017, September 43
New LNG-powered containerships for Hawaii trade
TOTE plans to establish a new domestic shipping service to Hawai’I and is working with Philly Shipyard to construct four new environmentally advanced containerships, powered by LNG. In addition, Keppel AmFELS has secured a contract worth more than US$400m from Honolulu-based Pasha Hawaii for the construction of two LNG-fueled containerships.
ogistics company TOTE plans to establish a new For more than 40 years, TOTE and its operating companies domestic shipping service to Hawai’i. The company have provided dedicated service to Alaska and Puerto L is working with Philly Shipyard to construct four new Rico. As part of its commitment and stewardship of the environmentally advanced containerships, powered communities it serves, the company has invested more by LNG and custom built for the trade. Conversations than $600 million to convert its ships to run on natural gas, already began to secure the new deep water Kapalama making its fleet the most environmentally friendly in the U.S. Container Terminal (KCT) in Honolulu for TOTE, a critical step in making the new service a reality. “Our presence on the islands will provide market stability 44 2017, September
and introduce new environmentally advanced vessels that propulsion systems and have the experience in LNG will greatly benefit the islands,” said Anthony Chiarello, vessel conversions as well as the expertise in newbuild President and CEO of TOTE. “TOTE’s commitment is to specialized vessels. In addition, Keppel AmFELS is ideally provide superior service for our customers as well as located and well-equipped to build a wide variety of the communities we serve, ensuring that goods arrive on vessels for the Jones Act market.” time week in and week out.” “This contract with Keppel allows Pasha Hawaii to Timing is critical for construction of new ships for Hawai’i continue to move forward in our commitment to and a commitment for terminal space in Honolulu providing the best resources possible for our customers is needed to move the new venture forward. New and Hawaii’s shipping industry, while minimizing environmental regulations taking effect in 2020 necessitate our environmental footprint,” said George Pasha, IV, replacement of aged ships currently operating in the trade. President and CEO of The Pasha Group. “We are proud As planned, the new vessels from Philly Shipyard will enter supporters of the Jones Act and look forward to working service in early 2020 and 2021, just in time to meet the with Keppel’s team of highly skilled shipbuilders.” deadline and maintain trade capacity. Customized to Pasha Hawaii’s requirements, the new, Moreover, Keppel AmFELS, a wholly owned subsidiary 774-foot Jones Act vessels will be able to carry 2,525 of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M) in the TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), including a fully United States, has secured a contract worth more than laden capacity of 500 45-foot containers, 400 refrigerated US$400m from Honolulu-based Pasha Hawaii for the containers, and 300 40-foot dry containers, with a sailing construction of two LNG-fueled containerships. The dual speed of 23 knots. The containerships will be able to run fuel LNG vessels will be built to Keppel’s proprietary completely on LNG, dramatically reducing their design with delivery of the first vessel expected in 1Q environmental impact and increasing fuel efficiency. 2020, and the second vessel in 3Q 2020. Energy savings will also be achieved with a state-of-the- art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater Simon Lee, President of Keppel AmFELS said, “We are propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and at the forefront of designing vessels that run on LNG propeller.
USCG approves operation of LNG bunkering facility in Jacksonville
JAX LNG has received a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from barge-to-ship bunkering operations” noted Peter Keller, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for the operation of Executive Vice President of TOTE. their waterfront LNG facility and the approval to conduct barge-to-ship LNG bunkering operations with TOTE TOTE has worked with a number of partners to develop Maritime’s Marlin Class ships and its LNG barge, Clean state-of-the-art operations that are currently in use at Jacksonville. Entering service in late 2015 and early the Port of Jacksonville. In addition to JAX LNG, TOTE has 2016 respectively, to date the Isla Bella and Perla del collaborated with the United States Coast Guard, specifically Caribe have used an innovative truck-to-ship bunkering Sector Jacksonville and the Liquefied Gas Carrier National operation. Barge-to-ship LNG bunkering is scheduled to Center of Expertise; Jacksonville Fire Department, Port of commence in early 2018. Jacksonville, American Bureau of Shipping and numerous vendors and trade associations. This collaboration has In October 2015, TOTE Maritime and its partner JAX LNG been central to the success of the truck-to-ship bunkering received their first LOA from the USCG establishing an operations and will play a critical role in the next phase. industry first landside LNG bunkering facility in the Port of Jacksonville. Since then, the Marlin Class vessels Tim Nolan, President of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico have safely received more than 18,000,000 gallons of highlighted “TOTE’s Marlin Class vessels are the first LNG through the truck-to-ship bunkering process, containerships in the world to be powered by LNG. This demonstrating the ability to safely transfer LNG time and required groundbreaking LNG bunkering operations that time again. have helped set national as well as global standards. Our ability to safely and efficiently introduce these ships into “TOTE Maritime is committed to safety above all else. the Puerto Rico trade so that the people of both Florida and Thanks to the commitment of our partner, JAX LNG, Puerto Rico could realize the environmental benefits of this we have developed strong standards for landside LNG superior maritime fuel was directly tied to the support and bunkering that will continue to be the hallmark of our partnerships developed along the way.” 2017, September 45
More developments in the gaseous fuel tank market
CNGci received the Canadian Registration Number (CRN) approval to sell its products in the province of Alberta. Moreover, Hexagon Lincoln has completed the development and initial deliveries of storage tanks for a Toyota heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell truck proof-of-concept.
that hydrogen fuel is available and ready to reduce emissions while nurturing energy independence,” said Rick Rashilla, Vice President, Hydrogen Products of Hexagon Lincoln. “We look forward to the opportunities this collaboration will bring to our customers.”
With this delivery of high-pressure hydrogen cylinders, the Hexagon Composites Group is strengthening its position in the hydrogen heavy-duty vehicle market. The Group has established a strong position in the hydrogen value chain and is working globally on several projects with passenger car CNGci in Alberta OEMs, transit bus, ground storage, gas transportation, back- up power, marine and rail applications. NG cylinders international (CNGci) announced the receipt of Canadian Registration Number (CRN) C approval, a number issued by each province or New Worthington Type 3 Rail Mount CNG territory in Canada by an authorized safety authority system launched for any boiler, pressure vessel or fitting that operates at a pressure of 15 psi (1 bar) or greater, for the province of Alberta (CRN No. R2348.52).
The company already holds CRN approvals for the provinces of Ontario (CRN No. R2348.5) and British Columbia (CRN No. R2348.51). “We are pleased to be able to increase our Worthington Industries, Inc. announced a new product market penetration to include another key Canadian province addition to its alternative fuel systems business, a Type 3 and look forward to serving our customers even better,” said Rail Mount CNG fuel system. With only five unique parts, the CNGci in a statement. Type 3 Rail Mount is the lightest fuel system on the market, offering a similar operating experience to diesel trucks. It CNGci is currently one of the leading producers of large is designed to improve fuel economy and increase payload, diameter Type 3 cylinders in the world, offering a significant reducing fleet total cost of ownership. Worthington’s fuel technological advantage in this market segment. systems are assembled in Salt Lake City, Utah. “Weight means something different for each fleet and The superior heat dissipation of the aluminum liner allows for some, it can make or break profitability,” said Wayne for significantly more gas and thus more usable DGE in Powers, general manager of the alternative fuel systems the cylinder under fast-fill conditions, which is an industry business for Worthington Industries. “For others, it’s a game-changer. fuel economy factor. This system, built with input from truck OEMs, installers and fleet owners, achieves both Hexagon Composites objectives.”
Hexagon Composites’ subsidiary Hexagon Lincoln has Worthington’s Type 3 Rail Mount employs truck OEM completed the development and initial deliveries of storage factory-installed brackets to hold an aluminum cylinder, similar to the fit and finish of a diesel tank. It utilizes a tanks for a Toyota heavy-duty fuel cell truck proof-of- Type 3 cylinder, which provides superior impact durability, concept, powered by hydrogen. Toyota Motor North America protecting the driver and the company in the event of a Research and Development (TMNA R&D) has received the side impact. Additionally, truck factory-installed steps offer first hydrogen tanks to be used for its heavy-duty fuel cell standard driver ingress and egress; and at 27 inches width truck project. off of the frame rail, the fuel system provides a similar width profile to diesel trucks, reducing the likelihood of clipping Recently Toyota unveiled the proof-of-concept as part of objects on turns. a feasibility study by the Port of Los Angeles, supporting the Port’s efforts to reduce harmful emissions. The OEM The system makes its debut as seven units roll out of Worthington’s Salt Lake City facility this month, headed to has expressed that they believe that hydrogen fuel cell Arcadia, California to join a fleet of trucks operated by Food technology has tremendous potential to become the Express, Inc., a for-hire transportation company specializing powertrain of the future. in dry bulk food commodities. “In making the switch to CNG, we looked at many system offerings and were impressed “Toyota’s proof-of-concept is further confirmation that by Worthington’s new system,” said Kevin Keeney, vice fuel cell applications continue to expand. Feasibility president of Food Express. demonstrations show local and international communities