Fueling the Future: The Montebello Project’s Journey to Sustainable Transportation

October 25th, 2023 by Fiedler Group

In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront of discussions, projects that champion sustainability and innovation deserve recognition. One such project that stands out is the Montebello Heavy-Duty Vehicle RNG (Renewal Natural Gas) Fueling Station, located at 601 S. Vail Avenue. The Montebello project is the third of its kind designed and permitted by Fiedler Group and project managed and constructed by Wayne Perry Inc. (WPI)  for Chevron. This project not only promotes clean energy but also exemplifies the power of engineering and design in overcoming challenges when bringing this important technology to market.

What is Renewable Natural Gas and Why Does it Matter?

Renewable natural gas, or RNG, is biogas that has been upgraded and placed in the conventional natural gas system. It is produced from multiple sources, including livestock waste, landfills, wastewater sludge, food waste and other organic waste operations. RNG can be used for electricity generation, thermal functions like heating and cooking, bioplastics and vehicle fuel.

As an integral part of its portfolio of solutions, Chevron works with its partners in the United States to convert methane from cow waste into RNG for use in heavy-duty vehicles.  One day RNG will help reduce the life cycle carbon intensity of transportation fuels while meeting the world’s growing energy needs. Moreover, RNG is essential for the growth of lower carbon fuel markets and can help reduce the impact of organic wastes.

A Vision for Sustainability

In an era where sustainability and environmental stewardship are keystones to reducing carbon emissions, the Chevron Montebello project emerges as a significant step towards a greener future in transportation. Committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy alternatives, Chevron contracted WPI to design and build the Heavy-Duty Vehicle RNG fueling station. This station will make a substantial impact by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Given their extensive experience with both CNG and LNG, Fiedler Group was contracted to provide Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) services for this project.  Fiedler Group played a pivotal role in turning Chevron’s sustainability vision into a reality by delivering a comprehensive range of engineering and project management services, that included entitlement processing, construction documents, and permitting.

However, the path to achieving this vision was not without its share of challenges. The Montebello project found its home on a portion of the existing Montebello Chevron Terminal that lacked power infrastructure, proper drainage and the appropriate ingress and egress. Although these deficiencies were challenging, Fiedler Group’s expertise was brought to bear to provide innovative solutions and creative strategies to fulfill Chevron’s sustainability goals.

The culmination of these efforts was marked on September 8, 2023, with the successful completion of the RNG fueling station. This accomplishment signifies not only a step forward in Chevron’s commitment to an eco-friendlier future but also a testament to how collaboration between industry leaders, innovative engineering, an experienced general contractor, and a dedication to environmental responsibility can lead to transformative results.

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