A new study guide is now available at no cost for candidates preparing for the CSA CNG Fuel System Inspector Certification test. The guide was prepared with funding from the Department of Energy as part of the Clean Vehicle Energy Foundation (CVEF) Natural Gas Vehicle Cylinder Safety, Training and Inspection Project.
Monthly Archives: January 2009
Study Guide Now Available for CNG Fuel System Inspector Certification Test
January 29, 2009 – 2:00 pm
USA
Oslo To Switch to Biomethane Buses
January 29, 2009 – 2:00 pm
Norway, Oslo
Oslo City Council in Norway is lowering its carbon emissions, putting previously flared methane produced at sewage plants to use powering the city’s public buses. The Guardian reports the program is in step with the city’s plans to become carbon neutral by 2050 and counters increases in carbon emissions of 10% since 2000. Infrastructure is expected to be operational by September 2009 to allow the biomethane to be used to fuel 80 of the city’s public buses but ultimately 400 public buses could be running on it in due course. Fuel costs savings of around 60% are expected.
NGVs Registration and Fuel Concessions Extended in Singapore – More Needed
January 29, 2009 – 12:44 pm
Singapore
Natural gas vehicle industry members have engaged with the Singapore Government, lobbying for government programs to make commercial vehicles and compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling stations more viable. CNG vehicles currently qualify for registration concessions under the Green Vehicle Rebate (GVR) Scheme as well as fuel duty exemptions. Though both programs were extended by two years in this week’s budget, industry members say more is needed to ensure Singapore reaps the full benefits of natural gas vehicles. Lobbying work is being conducted under the banner of a CNG Committee formed in August last year within the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS).
16 CNG Stations Planned for UAE in 2009
January 28, 2009 – 12:32 pm
UAE, Abu Dhabi
First steps have been taken toward the creation of a national network of natural gas vehicle (NGV) fuelling stations in the United Arab Emirates, according to a report in the UAE daily, The National, which states Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) plans to build 16 CNG pumping stations by year-end. As many as 10,000 cars a day could be fuelled with compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of petrol within a year, energy officials said yesterday. The company also intends to establish conversion workshops where petrol-run vehicles could be fitted with natural gas tanks in the boot.
Utah Resolution Calls on EPA to Make CNG Refueling Easier
January 27, 2009 – 2:00 pm
USA, Salt Lake City
Utah’s House Transportation Committee has passed a resolution calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to streamline the certification process for those who make and install CNG conversion kits, and urges the creation of more private-public partnerships to increase the number of refueling stations in the state.
German Motorists Save Using Natural Gas Vehicles
January 27, 2009 – 2:00 pm
Germany
53% vs Petrol
44% vs Diesel
Natural gas vehicle (NGV) owners/operators in Germany have reaped the rewards of fuel savings throughout 2008. Gibgas reports that petrol averaged 1.389 Euros/litre for the year (up 0.52 Euros on 2007) and diesel 1.324 Euros/litre (up 0.164 Euros on 2007), whereas CNG maintained average pricing of 0.968 Euros per Kilogram. On an energy equivalent basis, CNG was priced at 0.645 Euro per litre petrol equivalent and 0.728 Euro per litre diesel equivalent. The price advantage peaked in July 08, with savings in excess of 60% achieved. Similar savings are expected to be attained during 2009.
AEC Scores Chinese NGV System Orders
January 27, 2009 – 2:00 pm
Australia, Perth
Advanced Engine Components Limited (AEC) has made a positive start to 2009 with an order for almost US $800,000 of Natural Gas Vehicle System (NGVS) kits and associated engine components from Aussen Engine (Dalian) Co Ltd (Aussen) in China. Approximately US $325,000 of the order will be delivered in each of February and March 2009 with the balance in April 2009. The majority of required components are currently held in inventory.
Pakistan Aims for Gas Self-Sufficiency in 3 Years
January 27, 2009 – 2:00 pm
Pakistan, Karachi
In a move that will clearly benefit drivers of compressed natural gas vehicles (NGVs) and assist NGV market growth, the government has formulated a policy under which it aims to be self-sufficient in gas within 3 years, said Asim Hussain, oil and gas advisor to the prime minister. Addressing the shortfalls that have characterised the gas market over recent times, Asim noted 235,000 consumers, 770 CNG stations, and 4,700 commercial connections were added last year, but there was no increase in the gas production.
Batteries Power CNG Compressors at Off Peak Rates
January 25, 2009 – 2:00 pm
USA, New York
Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) Long Island Bus has developed what MTA and New York Power Authority officials say is a more environmentally friendly bus fleet that is also the nation’s first commercial user of sodium-sulfur battery technology. The system takes electricity from the power grid at night, when rates are lowest, and stores it to power natural gas compressors the following day at the Mitchel Field depot in Garden City, LI.
Methane-to-Markets Requests Funding Proposals
January 21, 2009 – 3:15 pm
USA
The U.S. EPA says it has some $7 million to fund as many as 40 projects and activities to “advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source internationally,†and is seeking proposals from international and local governments, states, not-for-profit organizations, and universities. Proposals under solicitation EPA-OAR-CCD-09-03 are due March 5.
Ashok Leyland Wins Delhi 875 Low Floor CNG Bus Deal
January 21, 2009 – 2:00 pm
India, Chennai
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), as part of a fleet modernisation program, has placed an order with Ashok Leyland for 875 low floor buses worth 4.8 billion Indian Rupees (almost US $100 million). Supply of 350 air-conditioned and 525 non-air-conditioned buses will commence by mid 2009 and will be completed by September ‘09.
800 CNG Filling Stations in 80 Days
January 20, 2009 – 2:00 pm
Germany, Irschenberg
Rainer Zietlow, a motoring globetrotter, commenced a nationwide tour of Germany’s 800 compressed natural gas (CNG) service stations on 7th January. Driving Volkswagen’s new Passat TSI EcoFuel with a direct injection bi-fuel turbo engine, Zietlow intends to complete the tour in 80 days, in time for the opening of Germany’s AMI 2009 (Auto Mobile International) in Leipzig on March 28. Market launch for the Passat TSI EcoFuel will be in the northern Spring. The event is Zietlow’s third natural gas vehicle odyssey, having previously completed a round-the-world tour as well as a tour from Germany to Bangkok, both using a natural gas powered VW Caddy.
US $40 Million Investment Expected for CNG Service Stations in Peru, 2009
January 19, 2009 – 2:00 pm
Peru, Lima
This year around US $40 million is expected to be invested in building new service stations for natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in Metropolitan Lima and Callao, by domestic and foreign businessmen, according to the General Manager of the Natural Gas Vehicle Peruvian Chamber (CPGNV), Jorge Juarez. As reported by Andina, he said that 40 new stations are expected to be built in 2009. By the end of last year there were 57 service stations in Lima and Callao; two more have commenced operations in January, and 22 projects will begin construction this year. A further 20 stations are under review by the Supervisory Body on Investment in Energy and Mining (Osinergmin) for approval during the year.
Construction of New CNG Mother Station Underway in Northern China
January 19, 2009 – 2:00 pm
China, Anyang
China Prosperous Clean Energy Corporation (CHPC), a retailer and wholesaler of compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas through its subsidiaries based in China, has completed construction of the first stage of a natural gas distribution network for residential usage in Shijiazhuang Yuanshi County (in Northern China). This project has now entered the second stage which includes a CNG mother station, and an additional 64.7 kilometers of natural gas pipeline and related facilities, due for completion by end 2009.
Eden Secures Cash Boost for Hythane, Commissions HCNG Station in Delhi
January 18, 2009 – 2:00 pm
Source: Australia & India
Australian based Eden Energy has received a cash injection following asset sales bringing in a total of $7.6 million. The sales included two Eden subsidiaries, Eden Cryogenics LLC and Eden Hydrogen Inc (parent of HyRadix) for $2 million to an undisclosed Australian company. Eden retains the Hythane interests (a patented hydrogen CNG blend) under a newly named Hythane Company LLC. Other assets sold included some coal bed methane Interests in Wales.
