Updates
December 23, 2012: The Colorado-to-Wyoming CNG corridor continues to expand. When I see these stories I am "thrilled" to see private enterprise doing this, but if the faux environmentalists and the current administration were serious about CO2, about addiction to oil, about Saudi imports, there would be a "Manhattan-like" program "to CNG" the nation.
October 17, 2012: Wyoming continues to push plans for CNG corridor.
A state legislative committee pledged support for two bills Tuesday which, if passed, could go a long way toward making Wyoming a leader in alternative fuels.
Meeting in Casper, the Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee first passed a measure that would slowly transition up to half of the state’s vehicle fleet to run on compressed natural gas by 2017. The second measure amends a state loan program to include compressed natural gas-related incentives.October 11, 2012: "CNG in a box."
GE launched its “CNG In A Box” system this week, to expand fueling options for vehicles that run on compressed natural gas, the company has announced.
GE touts the all-in-one refueling system, developed in partnership with Chesapeake Energy affiliate Peake Fuel Solutions, as a plug-and-play solution that makes it quick and easy for retailers to expand their fuel selection.
At least 250 CNG In A Box systems will be distributed beginning this fall, the companies said. CNG In A Box comes in an 8-foot-by-20-foot container, according to GE. The system compresses natural gas, delivered via pipeline, onsite and dispenses the fuel using a pump similar to that used at a traditional gasoline station.October 7, 2012: investment opportunities in natural gas as a transportation fuel; natural gas corridor; SeekingAlpha.com article.
May 15, 2011: Encana extends CNG corridor. This is from Rock Springs, WY, to Salt Lake City, UT.
Original Post
A great link sent in by "anon 1." This could compete for "top story" of the week. This story has so much on so many levels.Shell and TravelCenters of America announced that starting in 2013, they plan to sell liquefied natural gas to on-highway customers through the existing network of full-service TA and Petro fueling centers. (LNG is viewed as a more suitable alternative fuel for long-haul operations because it has more range than compressed natural gas, or CNG.)There's a lot more at the link. Note the number of jobs that this initiative will generate. Politicians are having trouble coming up with ideas for jobs, but the private sector seems to be doing just fine.
See also this post on an update on the "natural gas national interstate system."
Later, Mike provided this link, asking whether GE's micro-LNG plants might not make sense for these refueling stations?
Nice to see some forward movement in using CNG and LNG as a transportation fuel.
ReplyDeleteSo much more could be done if the current environment was more upbeat in the country and its businesses had the confidence the federal government wasn't going to stop it by making it cost prohibitive with uncalled for regulations.
Yes, this would be a whole new industry:
Deletea) vocational schools to train mechanics for the new trucks
b) mechanics, new truck shops
c) new truck stops, or larger truck stops
d) all the LNG/CNG infrastructure
e) advertising, marketing
and so on.
You may remember some time back GE announced they had developed a Micro LNG Plant. I wonder where they are with their plans to "roll these plants out". I assume one of the purposes would be to refuel LNG truck stops.
ReplyDeleteHere's the link for those who missed GE's announcement.
http://www.ge-energy.com/microlng
Dear Bruce,
ReplyDeleteCurrently I do not Know of a Highway or road "Tax" on LNG/CNG. Along with a 40/1 price difference it maks for a extra low cost fuel. I would hope the Natural Gas Network distributers would get with the "program" and develop the distribution system.
Thanks for your efforts.
Nick Anderson
Key West, Florida, 33040
Interesting. I had not thought of that. Great comment.
ReplyDelete