The demand for clean, cost-effective renewable natural gas (RNG) as a transportation fuel continues to rise as Clean Energy Fuels Corp announced it has reached agreements with trucking firms to lease or purchase more than 250 new heavy-duty trucks, fueled by its Redeem RNG.
Clean Energy’s Zero Now program makes the cost of leasing or purchasing a new natural gas heavy-duty truck equal to the price or even lower than that of the same truck equipped with a diesel engine. In addition, truck fleets financed or purchased through Zero Now will be able to purchase Redeem fuel with a fixed discount to diesel at a significant spread.
With financing made available by Zero Now, along with grant programs available in many states, trucking companies are rolling out trucks equipped with the new Cummins-Westport (CWI) ultralow NOx ISX12N natural gas engine, which provide the same torque and reliability as their diesel counterparts. The ISX12N is certified by California Air Resources Board (CARB) to reduce smog-forming NOx emissions by 90 percent compared to the current engine standard. RNG reduces climate pollutants such as greenhouse gas, which takes carbon emissions completely out of trucking.
“We are seeing a positive response to this program as fleets are discovering the advantages of Zero Now when seeking a clean, affordable renewable fuel option that combats air pollution and climate change,” said Andrew J. Littlefair, president and chief executive officer, Clean Energy. “This early adoption is particularly encouraging because it’s an endorsement of Near-Zero technology and the high level of performance it delivers.”
Among the first fleets taking delivery is Kenan Advantage Group, the nation’s largest leading bulk carrier, which has added 24 new near-zero trucks to its fleet through Zero Now. Kenan Advantage Group will be deploying its natural gas tractors in the company’s Merchant Gas Group that transports industrial gases. The company will also be utilizing renewable natural gas where available for this deployment.
“Clean Energy’s Zero Now is a win-win,” said Bruce Blaise, president and chief executive officer, Kenan Advantage Group. “It has provided us with an opportunity to bring the cost of a natural gas truck at parity with a diesel truck while offering a guaranteed fuel discount for five years."
TTSI is taking delivery of 40 RNG trucks, Freight Line Express is awaiting delivery of 12 trucks, Supra National Express has eight on tap, and Romans Trucking with six. Freshlink and Tradelink Transport have also taken advantage of the program by leasing new heavy-duty natural gas trucks.
Redeem is the first commercially available RNG vehicle fuel. It is derived from capturing biogenic methane that is naturally produced by the decomposition of dairy, landfill, and wastewater treatment plant waste. Redeem enables at least 70% reduction in carbon emissions when displacing diesel or gasoline, according to CARB estimates.
Los Angeles International Airport has signed a contract to power 31 shuttle buses with Redeem for an expected 2,500,000 gallons over the life of the buses.
The County of Orange Public Works Department has signed a five-year agreement with Clean Energy for the operations, maintenance and retailing of its public station which will result in dispensing a projected 750,000 gallons of Redeem.
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has signed a two-year extension option for Clean Energy to supply an estimated 200,000 gallons of liquified natural gas (LNG) to power its airport bus fleet.
The County of Sacramento has entered into a contract to fuel its airport vehicles and school buses at two stations, for which Clean Energy will provide an expected 300,000 gallons of Redeem fuel, along with repair and maintenance services.
Clean Energy has entered into a three-year fuel agreement with Rawhide Leasing who is providing natural gas service to the City of Mesquite NV through a virtual pipeline by transporting an estimated 600,000 total gallons to supply fuel to the fast-growing young city. Rawhide Leasing will be fueling its trailers at Clean Energy’s public access fueling stations in Las Vegas NV.