ASCO has introduced a compact high pressure solenoid valve for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) dispensing applications. Available in 3/8” (8 mm) and 1/2” (12 mm) sizes, the valve can handle pressures up to 5000 psi (350 bar).  They can be used to open and close the supply from storage tanks on single and multi bank dispensers.

USA, Texas

Texas has become home to what is reportedly the largest manure-to-gas (biogas) production facility in the USA. Associated Press reports that the facility is located at Huckabay Ridge, the state’s top producing dairy county and with an average output of 15 gallons of manure per cow per day. Mixed with restaurant grease, the manure is processed in an anaerobic digester to produce pipeline quality biogas. Though output from the plant is currently used for electricity generation, biomethane is becoming an increasingly popular alternative fuel, providing a renewable high efficiency fuel for transport. 

India, New Delhi

1,000 CNG Buses on shopping list
40,000 light commercial vehicles to convert to CNG

The Chief Minister of India’s National Capital Territory, Sheila Dikshit has told delegates in Delhi that compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelled buses have provided the city with the cleanest public transport fleet in the world. The Hindu says that Ms Dikshit was speaking at a one day conference – “CNG-Averting Disaster” organized by the local Green Leaf Foundation. “In the past six years, all old commercial vehicles have been phased out and 1 lakh [100,000] vehicles involved in public transport in Delhi have been put on clean CNG fuel that has helped in substantial improvement in the ambient air quality of the city,” she said.

Austria

Austrian rallying hero, Manfred Stohl has stohlen the limelight at the Rally Waldviertel in Austria on the weekend, taking out first place in his first outing in the OMV compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelled Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX. Stohl’s racing team engineered the car for OMV but this is the first time he has raced in one of the CNG vehicles. Team mate and regular CNG Evo driver, Beppo Harrach, came fourth place, driving the Evo VI model, despite major technical issues with his vehicle.

Peru, Lima

As many as 2,000 buses could be converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) in Lima in the coming months, providing cleaner transport for as many as half a million commuters who use the buses daily. Climalatino reports that the conversions will go ahead subject to assurances for the forty fleet operators involved that sufficient dispensers will be available to supply fuel for the vehicles.

Thailand, Bangkok

ANGVA 2007 Conference and Exhibition kicks off in Bangkok on the 27th of this month. (Technical Tours on the 26th). Online registrations conclude on November 24th. See the ANGVA 2007 website for more details.

Brazil, Rio de Janeiro

Proposed laws in the Brazilian State of Rio de Janeiro could see all government vehicles in the state converted to natural gas within a year. Algicar reports that the legislation will also extend to vehicles leased by Government departments. The legislation is now awaiting confirmation from the State Governor.

Philippines, Manila

The Philippines Government is bracing itself for $US100 per barrel oil prices, with leading politicians drafting legislation compelling the use of natural gas for trucks and buses. The Manila Bulletin reports that the politicians behind the move, led by the Speaker, Jose de Venecia, have met with current and past Energy Dept and Development Bank officials and have formed a task force to develop the proposed legislation. The Philippines has recently taken a step forward with their NGVs for Public Transport program, following the inauguration of long awaited mother-daughter stations just last month.

USA

The IRS recently updated information on its website to include the tax credit values for a number of medium and heavy duty NGVs.  NGVAmerica previously reported on the availability of the credit values for Honda and Emission Solutions.   However, the IRS website now includes information on NGV products offered by BAF, Baytech, Cummins Westport, Freightliner, New Flyer Bus and Tymco.

20% flow rate increase over regulated dispensers

New Zealand, Auckland

New Zealand based compressed natural gas (CNG) dispenser manufacturer, Compac Industries, has released Fast Fill, their latest development in dispenser technology.  Fast Fill, as the name suggests, significantly reduces fill times of vehicles filling up at a Compac dispenser.

India, Ahmedabad

Hyundai India is reportedly increasing the availability of their recently released CNG Santro, making it available in the Gujarat state. Hindu News reports that the car, a factory endorsed retrofit could be available in the cities of Surat and Ahmedabad within 2 months. The Santro is converted locally by Minda Group using technology supplied by NGVI of Korea. 

China, Beijing

More CNG refuelling stations to be built

US listed Sinoenergy Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board), has completed the previously announced acquisition of remaining shares of Xuancheng Sinoenergy Vehicle Gas Ltd. Co., in which it had held a 30% interest. Sinoenergy paid $US930,000 for the 70% equity and $US860,000 for two plots of lands in the downtown of Xuancheng City, on which three CNG filling stations will be built up.

USA

NGVAmerica Recognizes Mario Pirraglia for Marketing Role 

US industry association NGVAmerica has recognized FuelMaker Corporation’s Senior VP of Sales and Marketing, Mario Pirraglia, for his term as Chairman of the Marketing Advisory Committee (MAC) from 2004-2006. Special recognition was given to Mario during the National NGV Conference Summit in Reno, Nevada for accomplishments the MAC achieved during his term as Chairman.  Stephe Yborra, Director of Marketing and Communications at NGV America praised Mario for bringing a true marketing focus to the committee;  “Mario helped us focus our efforts on finding and reaching the true end user decision makers of natural gas fleet vehicles, most notably transit officials, school transportation managers, and city fleet managers” .

Canada, Vancouver

Westport Innovations Inc. and its industrial partner Cummins Inc., of Indiana, have received the 2007 Canadian American Business Achievement Award from the Canadian American Business Council. "We are pleased to congratulate and recognize Cummins and Westport for their cross-border partnership," said Karen Borlaug Phillips, Chairwoman of CABC. "This joint venture and technology partnership is an outstanding example of the kind of global success that can be created when strong business growth, remarkable innovation, and cross border business leadership work together to enhance the competitive advantage of the relationship between Canada and the United States."

Sweden, Stockholm

Renewable energy business and Group Opcon subsidiary, SRM, has received an order from a major automotive manufacturer to develop a prototype for what the company says is an entirely new and unique component for fuel cell vehicles. A fuel cell vehicle is driven by a chemical process in which hydrogen reacts with the oxygen in the air. The result is an electricity-powered vehicle with zero emissions. In addition, total efficiency of a fuel cell system is substantially higher than a traditional combustion engine. SRM will develop a compressor that will re-circulate hydrogen in the fuel cell, thereby further increasing the efficiency of the process.

The Netherlands, Amsterdam

Mercedes-Benz have chosen the 2007 RAI International Commercial Vehicle Show in Amsterdam to launch their latest natural gas powered vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz Econic NGT 1828 semitrailer tractor for urban and short-radius distribution. A company press release says the launch is a response to “the demands imposed by environmental legislation on vehicles used for urban transport becoming ever more stringent.” The Econic NGT 1828 with natural gas drive (NGT = Natural Gas Technology) semitrailer tractor has a wheelbase of only 3450 mm.

Canada & Australia

Horsepower hungry fleet operators in Australia are keeping a keen eye on developments following Westport Innovations launch of  fleet operations of four Westport heavy-duty liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks as part of a previously-announced Australian LNG truck demonstration program. Westport has also received the first Australian pre-orders for its 2008-model year LNG truck systems.

Organizers of NGV 2008, to be held in Brazil next June 3-5 remind us that their Call for Abstracts closes next week. See the conference website for more details. www.NGV2008.com.br .