
Prime Minister Medvedev (right) meets with vice-premiers to discuss natural gas fuel implementation.
50% conversion planned for cities with population over 1 million
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev on 13th May signed a decree prepared by the Ministry of Energy of Russia that will change the face of transportation in his country. The decree includes an order to “develop a set of legal, economic and organizational measures of the state to support the production, release into circulation and trafficking in motor vehicles and agricultural equipment to natural gas, creating traffic fueling and service infrastructure, statistical systems and technical regulation for natural gas as a motor fuel”. Read more »
In Moscow, Vitaly Markelov, Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee and Nguyen Vu Truong Son, Vice President of Petrovietnam State Oil and Gas Corporation have signed in the presence of Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in natural gas production and use as a motor fuel. 
The European Commission has this week adopted a “Maritime Strategy” Action Plan to revitalise the marine and maritime economy in the Atlantic Ocean Area, intended to create sustainable growth in coastal regions for the EU’s Atlantic Member States while preserving environmental and ecological stability. Amongst the ideas to be considered for EU financing in the new programming period 2014-2020 is facilitating the upgrade of infrastructure, such as equipping ports with liquefied natural gas (LNG) refuelling capacity.
The Chinese natural gas vehicle market has stepped up a gear according to a Kunlun Energy press release about last week’s 14th China International Natural Gas Vehicles, Filling stations and Equipment Exhibition and Forum in Beijing, with more NGVs, more filling stations and greater momentum. According to reported statistics, 446 new filling stations commenced operation in the past year, with the total reaching 2,784, an increase of 19% over the previous year. Liquefied Natural gas (LNG) stations accounted for 22.8% of that total.
The U.S. State of Pennsylvania is expanding its commitment to advance clean, alternative and renewable energy sources with the investment of more than $1.8 million in 5 projects. The grants will assist in the construction of four CNG filling stations and one LNG station which have the benefits of reducing emissions, fuel savings and utilizing the large domestic source of natural gas available in Pennsylvania. 
Clean Energy Fuels Corp., a nationwide provider of natural gas and Mansfield Energy Corp., a national transportation fuel provider have formed a strategic partnership to deliver a comprehensive compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel solution in the U.S. Sales teams from both companies will offer Clean Energy’s natural gas fueling station construction and operational services to current and potential customers. These services will be supported by Mansfield’s large-scale fuel supply capabilities and Gas-2-Gallons fuel management system. 
The California Energy Commission has approved funding for a number of projects that will support increased numbers of cleaner, alternative fuel vehicles on California roadways, thereby helping the state meet its climate change goals. The awards were made through the Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology (ARFVT) Program, created by Assembly Bill 118. 2013-2014 funding priorities have also been set, with both programs including support for natural gas vehicle projects.
Westport Innovations Inc., developer and manufacturer of natural gas engines has delivered its 1Q Fiscal report with a clear message from David Demers, CEO of Westport. “We are expecting a step change in growth over the course of this year and remain confident the market for natural gas as a fuel in trucking is here and now – not five or ten years down the road.” The company maintains its revenue outlook for up to 30% year over year growth. 

Early April this year Igor Sechin, the President and Chairman of the Management Board of Russian oil and gas company Rosneft and Russian Machines Chairman of the Board of Directors Siegfried Wolf signed a memorandum of cooperation in production and sales of natural gas engine fuel in Russia, particularly in Moscow and Leningrad oblast, Krasnodar territory and on major highways to Europe.
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