Work Ahead for All-CNG Reality in Gujarat

In the last week of July, the High Court in Gujarat, India ordered the state government to ensure that all public and private vehicles registered in the state switch to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) within a year.

This is surely a tall order anywhere and Gujarat is no exception. The highly industrialized region in western India has some CNG infrastructure already, but CNG costs more in Gujarat than in Delhi or Mumbai, though Gujarat’s largest city Ahmedabad has equal pollution issues – making an environmental case for CNG in the region. This price obstacle was the impetus for a petition before the High Court to bring the price of CNG under regulation, but the High Court hearing the petition has taken the issue a serious step further.

We have seen similar decrees for fuel-specific use in a jurisdiction, such as the 1998 Supreme Court Directive in Delhi to replace or convert all buses, three-wheelers and taxis to CNG, but the Gujarati are questioning the court’s authority to order state legislation, particularly for all vehicles. A senior government representative was quoted in the Hindustan Times saying the state will fight it. “The high court order is not practically possible to implement as it has wider implications. We will challenge it in the Supreme Court.”

Are the logistics of a rapid switch on such a grand scale even reasonable for Gujarat? TheTimes of India reports that the existing infrastructure is unable to support the 32 lakr (3.2 million) vehicles in the state, given only about 4 lakr (400,000) are CNG at present, and the cost of converting the entire public and private fleet within one year would be, frankly, astronomical.

Citizens and auto dealers are alarmed, according to many news outlets. Some districts of the state of Gujarat currently do not have much CNG infrastructure at all. And aside from fuel station scarcity, TheHindu presents the facts on commodity obstacles as well. The region has to import natural gas to meet its current demand so a rapid switch will certainly have repercussions.

In any case, whether the all-CNG directive will go ahead or be successfully challenged remains unclear, but if the goal was to get the people of Gujarat talking about natural gas transportation, then success is achieved. The world waits with interest to see how this plays out.

More DOE Support for NGVs in Our Future

On July 12, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced 13 new projects to advance natural gas vehicle (NGV) technologies, all in light-duty applications, through its Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E).

Aimed specifically at new developments for natural gas tanks and potential home-fueling, the natural gas industry can only be pleased that Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman has said:

“These projects could transform America’s energy infrastructure and economy by utilizing domestic energy sources to power our vehicles…”

While the rationale behind funding many of the early-stage projects is their risk level for private investment, the DOE sees real potential for NGVs in America’s future and is prepared to invest in them.

Clearly demand for NGVs is increasing. And now, not only the DOE, but others are encouraged to tackle the passenger vehicle market.

The projects follow others that ARPA-E, launched by President Barack Obama in 2009, has proven successful by supporting. Many of its projects secured private capital after initial funding from ARPA-E.

Westport Innovations has benefit from DOE support over the years, and the success of its technology in all markets is proof positive that research support can ultimately translate into commercial application. Initially focused on the heavy-duty markets, Westport has expanded in a big way into light-duty, targeting fleets initially, but also the average consumer.

In passenger vehicles alone, Westport LD has acquired global NGV system and component operations in Australia, Italy and Sweden, launched its new Westport WiNG Power System this spring for Ford F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks, and secured a relationship with General Motors to develop two different combustion, controls and emissions approaches to natural gas engines.

The DOE also sponsored early research that helped in the development of many new natural gas resources in the U.S. The NGV technology projects support its efforts to act on President Obama’s call for “the safe, responsible development of the near 100-year supply of U.S. natural gas resources, which has the potential to support more than 600,000 American jobs,” according to the DOE.

Not likely that any NGV enthusiast will argue these are all great steps forward to a more energy independent future. Natural gas for transportation is here today – and here to stay for a good, long while.

Bringing Made-in-B.C. Clean Transportation Solutions to the B.C. Legislature

Westport Innovations showcased its natural gas vehicle technology at a November 17 event organized by Fortis BC, in collaboration with PNWER, Vedder Transport, and Waste Management at the front steps of the B.C. Legislature.

MLA Barry Penner talking to the crowd of Ministers and MLAs

Members of the public and attendees of the 2011 PNWER Winter Summit learned more about the existing provincial framework that helps support the use of natural gas in commercial vehicles: the availability of B.C. natural gas, engines designed in B.C., and a fueling infrastructure manufactured in B.C. Along with a presentation by Barry Penner, MLA, visitors met with industry experts to learn more about natural gas vehicles (NGVs) and how they benefit the transportation sector.

British Columbia is poised to be an emerging leader in clean transportation solutions by reducing greenhouse gas emissions that come from the transportation sector. By virtue of our local natural resources and home-grown technology, B.C. has a great opportunity to generate economic and environmental benefits for all British Columbians.

As a made-in-B.C. low emission solution, Westport technology provides an economically and environmentally sustainable solution that the provincial government should continue to encourage and support as part of its framework and strategy for transportation. A climate that encourages the use of NGVs benefits from an invigorated local economy, increased use of domestic natural gas and a reduced carbon footprint.

Westport has worked closely with Fortis, the largest natural gas distributor in the province, and Waste Management, to launch Canada’s first fleet of natural gas refuse collection trucks in operation in B.C.

Minister Blair Lekstrom and Fred Zweep

Jonathan Burke, Westport HD and Minister Pat Bell

To learn more about natural gas, its applications in the transportation sector, and its role in provincial clean energy solutions, please visit:

• Fortis BC – About Natural Gas
• NGV Global – Natural Gas Vehicle Statistics
• Canadian Natural Gas – Applications in Transportation