Monthly Archives: February 2009

Milca Confirms April Start for CNG Bi-Fuel Law in Venezuela

February 28, 2009 – 2:00 pm

Venezuela, Caracas

Venezuela is on track for an April 1 commencement date of legislation that calls for an increased market share of natural gas vehicles. This was confirmed by Minister of People’s Power for Light Industries and Trade (Milca), William Contreras, saying that a goal of the resolution is to see bi-fuel (CNG and gasoline) vehicles accounting for 30% of automotive sales by the end of 2009 sales, insisting there can be no further delays. Targets for 2010 are set at 40% of sales and 50% by 2011.(Source)


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Colton School’s Experience – Natural Gas Buses Cleaner, Cheaper

February 28, 2009 – 2:00 pm

USA, Colton

Colton Joint Unified School District officials are noting the real benefits of switching to natural gas buses. The CNG fleet has reportedly reduced particulate matter by 2,000 pounds per year and nitrous oxides by 28,000 pounds per year, said district Transportation Manager Rick Feinstein. The district saved US$650,000 in fuel costs for the 2007/2008 fiscal year and paid US$1.08 a gallon equivalent for CNG versus $4 a gallon for diesel, Feinstein said. The district also gets a 50-cent rebate from the federal government for every gallon of CNG used, Feinstein said.


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EPA Fund To Help Cut Burlington Pollution

February 27, 2009 – 2:00 pm

USA, Burlington

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $205,523 to Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) to replace three of their older diesel vehicles with new compressed natural gas (CNG) models. The federal money will cover up to 25 percent of the cost of the new vehicle.


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Independent Producers in USA Announce New Association to Promote Natural Gas

February 26, 2009 – 2:00 pm

USA

In a move that could help spur the increased use of NGVs, more than 20 of the nation’s largest independent natural gas exploration and production companies have formed the American Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA). The group, which continues to add members, has one mission — to increase awareness and appreciation of the cleanliness and abundance of America’s supply of natural gas among consumers and policy makers.  The ANGA will be involved in education, promotion, advertising and lobbying. Rod Lowman, President of ANGA said, “Over the last several years, the natural gas industry has found vast deposits of gas in new ‘resource plays.’ Utilizing these resources for our country’s energy needs will help to improve air quality, create thousands of American jobs and reduce our growing dependence on foreign oil. We will work hard to get our message heard by policy makers, end users of our product and the American public.”

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State of Oklahoma Signs Up for Fleet Conversion to CNG

February 26, 2009 – 2:00 pm

USA, Tulsa and Phoenix

The State of Oklahoma’s Department of Central Services Fleet Management Division recently entered into an agreement with Oklahoma based Tulsa Gas Technologies, Inc. (TGT), and CNG conversion technology manufacturer NaturalDrive Partners, LLC  to provide Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified OEM-style compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion technology for use in its vehicle fleets. TGT will provide the equipment and training necessary for fleet conversion.


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Toyota Launches First Ever CNG MPV in India

February 26, 2009 – 2:00 pm | India, New Delhi
Toyota CNG Innova (2009)

* Energy efficient Euro 3 version of the fast selling Innova debuts in the country
* CNG version available in all petrol models of the Innova
* Offers about 50% saving in running costs

India’s Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has launched the compressed natural gas (CNG) powered Innova, the first energy efficient multipurpose vehicle (MPV) in the country, available as a bi-fuel option for all petrol models of the Innova. The Innova comes with a 1998 cc, 16V DOHC VVTi engine with manual fuel selection options. The on-board cylinder has a capacity of approximately 12kg of CNG and the running cost on CNG for the Innova is estimated to be around Re. 1.6/km or even less depending on the driving cycle. Taking into account mileage, increased engine oil life and reduced maintenance costs, the CNG Innova offers about 50% saving in running costs. The CNG Innova will be priced at around Rs 85,000 ($US1,650) higher than the current petrol version.

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Oasis Engineering – A Whole New Ball Game

February 26, 2009 – 9:40 am | New Zealand, Tauranga
oasis engineering awards
Oasis Engineering looks set to earn more accolades in 2009.

After more than 25 years of being a relatively low profile supplier of ball valves for the CNG industry, New Zealand based manufacturer Oasis Engineering could become one of the most talked about players in the natural gas vehicle industry in 2009. A raft of innovations in product development, production management, marketing and customer relations have already begun to bear fruit for Oasis. Managing Director, Andy Cameron, says the best is yet to come though; “We’ve always been known as a reliable and innovative supplier but in 2009, we are taking that to a whole new level.”

Cameron says the drive behind the innovations is a culture that makes the distinction between ‘nothing being wrong’ and ‘everything being right’. “We are competing against some seriously large companies so innovation is one of the strengths that we have to play to our advantage. Fortunately New Zealand is also famous for innovation so you could say we have a natural edge already.”


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Clean & Efficient Vehicles Directive: An Important Stimulant for European AFV Markets

February 26, 2009 – 6:07 am

Comment and Analysis by Jeffrey Seisler, CEO, Clean Fuels Consulting, in collaboration with Kevin Leydon Associates (Brussels).

Amid the flurry of six directives that comprised the European Energy and Climate Package legislation in the last quarter of 2008 there was one additional policy initiative that was finalized in October 2008 before ‘The Package,’ and that could have the greatest impact on the growth of alternative fuel vehicles: the Directive Promoting Clean and Energy Efficient Road Transport Vehicles.  For the first time energy consumption, CO2 and pollutant emissions must be considered as mandatory award criteria for public procurement of vehicles.  As a result, not only the price of a vehicle, but also the impact it creates during its lifetime for the environment must be reflected in the purchase decision.


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DHL Goes Green Route in Thailand

February 25, 2009 – 2:51 pm

Thailand

The use of alternative fuels is reportedly becoming an important consideration for many companies. Cargo News Asia writes DHL has taken the lead to implement several green initiatives, including replacing some of its fleet with compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles and natural gas vehicles (NGV) as well as introducing route optimisation programmes for customers. The Thai government is showing strong support for alternatively fuelled vehicles, and DHL believes the transport sector should pay attention.


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VW Caddy EcoFuel Launched In UK

February 25, 2009 – 2:00 pm

United Kingdom

VW Caddy EcoFuel

Volkswagen has launched the Caddy EcoFuel, declaring it the only compact panel van in UK to be powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), and the Caddy Maxi EcoFuel which offers an extra 1.0 m3 of loadspace. It first went on sale in Europe in 2006, with 7,500 units sold last year. The Caddy EcoFuel uses a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter petrol unit optimized for efficient use of CNG or petrol. It has CO2 emissions of 157 g/km, over 20 percent lower than a conventional petrol engine.


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Alternative Fuels Viable Option for Reducing Container Ports Pollution – Study

February 24, 2009 – 2:00 pm

USA, Colorado

Natural Gas the Leading Alternative Fuel for Goods Movement in USA

The switch to clean alternative fuels is gaining momentum at U.S. and international container shipping ports according to a new research study, “Container Ports and Air Pollution,” published by Energy Futures, Inc.

Reliance on diesel fuel for goods movement has contributed to a reputation for container ports being among the world’s biggest sources of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Now, progress is being made toward reducing harmful emissions. The study found that natural gas is currently the leading alternative fuel for goods movement at U.S. container ports, while hybrid electric vehicles are gaining popularity in Asia.


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Andalusia’s Alternative Fuel Fleet To Expand

February 24, 2009 – 1:55 pm

Spain, Andalusia

The Department of Innovation, Science and Enterprise, through the Andalusian Energy Agency, has approved 292,487 euros to facilitate the purchase of 20 compressed natural gas buses (CNG) by the Urban Transport Company of Seville (TUSSAM). It is anticipated the buses will collectively decrease energy consumption by 8.2% with respect to fuel consumption. TUSSAM has 40% of its fleet powered by alternative fuels, thereby reducing dependency on petroleum and increasing the security of energy supply. Altogether the company has 156 CNG buses, receiving Ministry of Innovation incentives totalling 2.9 million euros.


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ANGVA 2009 – CALL FOR PAPERS

February 24, 2009 – 12:30 pm

ANGVA2009INTRODUCTION

The Asia Pacific Natural Gas Vehicles Association (ANGVA) 3rd Conference & Exhibition (ANGVA2009) will be held from 27th to October 29th 2009.

ANGVA2009’s objectives are:

  • To showcase NGV development and technologies particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • To provide networking opportunities for NGV players in Asia-Pacific and other parts of the world.
  • To introduce and promote ANGVA as the key NGV association in the Asia Pacific region.



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LeasePlan Emirates Plans CNG Conversions

February 22, 2009 – 2:00 pm

UAE, Abu Dhabi

LeasePlan Emirates, a joint venture between the Government’s business developer and manager, Mubadala, and LeasePlan Corporate, has announced the purchase of 58 Nissan and Toyota vehicles that it will convert to run on CNG. The National reports the initiative follows recent developments on CNG refueling infrastructure,  with Adnoc Distribution, part of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, planning to have 17 CNG fuelling stations, enabling up to 10,000 cars to fill up. The company is also aiming to convert a portion of the Emirate’s silver taxis, delivery, utilities and police vehicles to the cleaner alternative to petrol.


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US Congress Passes Stimulus Package – NGVs Eligible for $15 Billion

February 20, 2009 – 3:15 am

USA, Washington DC

“Once in a lifetime opportunity” says NGVAmerica.

The US Congress has passed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (HR 1) — the economic stimulus package at a total cost of $790 billion.  The bill includes numerous provisions to try to jumpstart the economy.  NGVs are eligible for programs that total more than $15 billion. They include:


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