Posted on 10/09/2012 3:47:23 AM PDT by shove_it
General Electric (GE) and natural gas supplier Chesapeake Energy (CHK) have partnered on a "CNG in a Box," an all-in-one package that allows convenience stores and gas stations to add a pump for compressed natural gas. CNG, a cleaner-burning fuel than gasoline or diesel, is about $1.50 cheaper than the equivalent amount of gas, thanks to huge domestic reserves. The fuel is being embraced by fleets — about 40% of trash trucks sold in the U.S. last year ran on natural gas. But very few consumer vehicles run on the cheap, plentiful fuel in part because of the higher costs of the cars and sparse network of fueling stations. Proponents are hopeful that expanded fueling networks will spur CNG auto demand, which in turn will encourage more stations to set up CNG pumps...
(Excerpt) Read more at news.investors.com ...
This is a perfet contrast-clean energy solutions provided by free market capitalism discussed in this article-versus government imposed green energy programs.
Gee, I wonder which will succeed?
How long until a “fuel tax” gets added to LNG?
After Obama is gone I will probably get a CNG conversion for my Silverado dually, it has the 8.1 liter Vortec engine so any small horsepower loss won’t be readily felt.
I thought it was funny and fitting: we were at Epcot Center and Obama’s favorite ride-—the GM test track-—was broke.
If it progresses to people fueling from at home compressors off their own NG line then states will more than likely adopt a pay per mile through an on board transmitter like a smart meter.
Very touchy subject for many. And another reason why the feds are NOT backing NG fuel, because its a bitch to collect revenue on.
I hope this catches on, CNG is a good alternative to gasoline. But lack of fueling stations in my area make it impractical.
Actually a fuel tax should be added to CNG (which I assume you meant, and not LNG) used for automotive purposes. Fuel taxes are how we fund roads. There is nothing non-conservative about doing that.
There should also be a fuel tax for electricity used to charge electric vehicles, for similar reasons.
I don’t care about any fuel stations, I only commute 26 miles a day in Alaska, all I need is an at home compressor station, if I have to travel longer distances I’ll use gasoline.
Eventually this can be expanded to use compressed methane which is nearly the same as NG, methane can come from decomp of waste like manure.
I hope it works out for you. I looked at home refueling stations also. But you need to install a dedicated gas line and it takes several hours to refuel.
CNG has been widely used for public transportation in the last 30 years around the world. Indeed, in Japan CNG is the standard fuel for taxicabs since the beginning of the 1980’s. And buses in Japan have begun the switch from diesel fuel to CNG nationwide.
The availability is a bit limited now. And, you'll need a car fueled by CNG, like this one:
The combination is great for a commuter car. But, you would have to compare the cost of both, plus the price of natural gas, to buying something like a Prius that gets better mileage.
I live in Alaska, most everything is different, I used to refuel propane fueled tow trucks. So it takes several hours to compress NG from your line to a tank, only need to refuel once a week or even less, truck will be dual fuel.
When I was there, the test track was almost always down.
I don't know what makes it so touchy, but I saw it switch from operational to shutdown several times in a day.
I finally had a chance to ride it when I happened to walk by it at the right time, just as it opened.
“How long until a “fuel tax” gets added to LNG?”
Already here:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/motorfuel/faqs.htm
Pipeline quality Natural Gas, the quality that is delivered to homes and business, is nearly pure methane. The Natural Gas from the wellhead contains natural gas liquids, water, CO2, Nitrogen, H2S, etc that gets removed at the Natural Gas processing plant.
I can’t imagine how difficult it has been to be in the trucking business or an owner-operator these past few years. That is interesting about the “CNG in a box”. I’ve been interested in the aspect of CNG infrastructure the past few years and that Honda is only CNG consumer vehicle and only available in CA and CT, last time I looked. I’d rather this be pursued and pursued by private industry than Baroke and his government crony friends down the toilet approach.
Why?? Far easier to equip the home compressor with recording and transmitting means.....just like the "smart" controller on my water heater.
I have a lot of CNG this morning. My stomach is rumbling.
Don’t accept the premise that those promoting “green energy” have abundant energy and a properous economy and society as their goal.
As Obama stated, “green energy is not some socialist plot”, ie, green energy IS a socialist plot.
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