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Clean Energy’s Natural Gas Highway
February 8th, 2012 by Fiedler Group
Across interstate highways and major metropolitan areas, a network of liquefied natural gas (LNG) truck fueling stations are being built by Clean Energy — America’s largest provider of natural gas fuel for transportation.
Transforming Freight Transportation
May 9th, 2024 by Fiedler Group
The Launch of NorCAL ZERO Project by the Center for Transportation and the Environment and Hyundai Motor Company
Fiedler Group salutes the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) and Hyundai Motor Company who reached a significant milestone in clean energy innovation with the launch of the NorCAL ZERO project. This groundbreaking initiative, celebrated at the FirstElement Hydrogen Fueling station in West Oakland, marks a pivotal moment in bringing zero-emission freight transportation to the Bay Area and Central Valley.
The NorCAL ZERO project, a collaborative effort totaling $54 million, aims to deploy 30 units of Hyundai Motor Company’s Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell electric trucks. These trucks, heralded as the world’s first mass-produced, heavy-duty trucks powered by hydrogen, symbolize a new era in sustainable transportation. Funding for the project is a testament to cross-sector collaboration that includes contributions from various entities such as CARB, CEC, Alameda CTC, BAAQMD, and project partners. This collaborative financing model underscores the shared commitment to achieving California’s clean air and climate goals.
West Oakland, historically overburdened by air pollution, will see real life health benefits through a reduction in diesel fuels. The project is predicted to mitigate 24,362 metric tons of carbon-dioxide emissions, equivalent to saving 2,393,124 gallons of diesel fuel over six years, thus improving public health and environmental quality in the region.
Operated by G.E.T. Freight, a subsidiary of Glovis America, the Hyundai trucks will serve in transporting goods from the Port of Oakland and cars from the Port of Richmond. The trucks refuel at a state-of-the-art liquid hydrogen fueling station operated by FirstElement Fuel, showcasing the necessary infrastructure for supporting large-scale adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Fiedler Group providing engineering and permitting services for a state-of-the-art maintenance facility to contribute to continuity of infrastructure.
At the dedication event, notable figures including representatives from governmental bodies, private enterprises, and non-profit organizations lent their voices to the occasion, emphasizing the project’s significance in advancing both environmental stewardship and equitable access to cleaner transportation solutions.
The project’s significance extends beyond technological innovation; it serves as a blueprint for future deployments of zero-emission vehicles across the United States As the NorCAL ZERO project unfolds, it not only demonstrates the viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology but also sets a precedent for collaborative efforts in advancing clean energy solutions. With a commitment to cleaner air, healthier communities, and economic vitality, initiatives like NorCAL ZERO pave the way for a more sustainable future in freight transportation.
Nikola Unveils First HYLA Refueling Station in Southern California
April 3rd, 2024 by Fiedler Group
Nikola Corporation, a leader in zero-emissions transportation and energy solutions, proudly announced the grand opening of its HYLA high-pressure modular refueling station in Ontario, California. This milestone marks a significant stride towards establishing a robust hydrogen refueling network, especially tailored for Class 8 trucks, within the region.
The opening included fleet customers, dealers, government representatives, industry insiders, and Nikola team members. Notable highlights of the grand opening included speeches from Nikola executives, industry expert Joe Biagi, and representatives from the City of Ontario and Congresswoman Norma Torres’s office, who awarded Certificates of Recognition to Nikola for this achievement.
Attendees were treated to demonstrations showcasing truck and hydrogen refueling procedures, alongside facility tours and technology Q&A sessions facilitated by Nikola engineers. The event also provided firsthand experiences with Nikola’s cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, underscoring the company’s commitment to deploying advanced eco-friendly technologies on our nation’s roadways.
Located at 2445 E. Guasti Road, Ontario, CA, the newly operational station is equipped to refuel up to 40 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 trucks daily. This strategic move aligns with Nikola’s ambitious plan to establish nine refueling solutions by mid-2024, with a total of 14 operational stations slated by year-end. Fiedler Group is proud to support Nikola with their engineering and permitting needs to increase fueling infrastructure throughout California.
Nikola’s unwavering commitment extends beyond the grand opening, with round-the-clock support furnished by onsite HYLA Ambassadors and Operation Technicians, ensuring a seamless and efficient refueling experience for customers.
President of Energy at Nikola, Ole Hoefelmann, expressed pride in this historic achievement, acknowledging the pivotal role played by the City of Ontario in realizing this vision. He emphasized the significance of this moment as a catalyst for advancing sustainable transportation and reaffirmed Nikola’s dedication to spearheading zero-emission trucking solutions.
Collaborating closely with industry leaders, Nikola is steadfast in fortifying the hydrogen supply chain and expanding its HYLA refueling infrastructure to meet burgeoning demand. This concerted effort is poised to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, driving the imperative decarbonization of transportation.
Congresswoman Norma Torres hailed the initiative as a boon for the Inland Empire, emphasizing the transformative impact of clean energy technologies in job creation and climate mitigation. She stressed the importance of continued investments in clean energy solutions to fortify communities against future challenges.
Nikola’s HYLA refueling solutions network is primed to offer customers a diverse array of flexible refueling options, including modular and permanent stations, customer-owned facilities, and collaborations with public truck stops. This includes the recent landmark agreement with FirstElement Fuel for a hydrogen refueling station in Oakland, Calif.
In essence, Nikola’s inauguration of the first HYLA refueling station in Southern California signifies a significant leap towards a greener, more sustainable future in transportation, underlining the company’s unwavering commitment to pioneering eco-friendly innovations.
Fiedler Group Applauds Rimere’s Breakthrough Plasma Technology: Pioneering Clean Hydrogen and Graphene Solutions
March 25th, 2024 by Fiedler Group
In the race to combat climate change, innovation is key. Rimere, a climate solutions company based in Newport Beach, California, has developed a proprietary plasma technology that looks to revolutionize the energy landscape. Recently, Rimere announced a significant milestone: the closing of a $10 million strategic investment from Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ: CLNE). This injection of funds is set to accelerate the development and field testing of Rimere’s groundbreaking devices: the Reformer and the Mitigator.
Rimere’s patented and patent-pending technologies operate at a molecular level, employing high voltage and high-frequency arcs under induced electromagnetic fields to deconstruct methane. This innovative approach is poised to reshape the outlook for natural gas, leveraging existing infrastructure to deliver clean hydrogen and graphene to end-users.
At the core of Rimere’s innovation lies the Reformer, a device that utilizes proprietary sequential hybrid plasma technology to convert natural gas into two invaluable resources: clean hydrogen and high-quality graphene. This game changing technology produces zero CO2 emissions, and when powered by renewable natural gas (RNG), achieves a negative carbon-intensity rating surpassing renewable electrolysis in emission reduction.
The Mitigator offers a cost-effective solution to a pressing environmental concern. This device, a plasma thermal oxidizer, diminishes fugitive methane emissions by significantly reducing greenhouse gas potency, particularly those emissions escaping from natural gas infrastructure like compressors and pneumatic controllers along pipelines.
Mitchell Pratt, CEO of Rimere, is encouraging about the impact of their technology. “The world continues to consume more natural gas annually, but with Rimere’s technology, we’re not just cleaning up the infrastructure; we’re transforming the role of natural gas in our clean energy future.”
For Clean Energy Fuels Corp., this investment represents a natural progression in their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. Andrew J. Littlefair, President, and CEO of Clean Energy, sees Rimere’s technology as a logical step in addressing the challenges facing the natural gas and hydrogen industries.
With $18.25 million of committed capital raised since its formation in 2020, Rimere is poised to make a significant impact on the transition to a cleaner, greener future.
CHEVRON RNG/CNG STATIONS – The Quest for a Cleaner Tomorrow
March 12th, 2024 by Fiedler Group
One day, Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) will help reduce the life cycle carbon intensity of transportation fuels while meeting the world’s growing energy needs. Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies and a pioneer in the clean energy transition through relationships with partners to drive innovation such as developing a process where compressing RNG creates Compressed Natural Gas or CNG.
RNG is biogas produced from multiple sources, including livestock waste, landfills, wastewater sludge, food waste and other organic waste operations. RNG’s multi-uses which include for electricity generation, heating and cooking, bioplastics, and vehicle fuel can help improve local air quality and greenhouse gas reductions and reduce agricultural methane release in the atmosphere. Chevron works with its partners in the United States to convert methane from cow waste into RNG, which the U.S. and California classify as an advanced biofuel for transportation, for use in heavy-duty vehicles.
CNG stands out as an environmentally friendly and non-toxic alternative to conventional gasoline and diesel fuels. Its adoption contributes to a reduction in harmful emissions and eliminates the risk of groundwater contamination. By compressing natural gas (methane) to less than 1% of its original volume, CNG has gained traction among both commercial and non-commercial vehicle users.
Chevron continues to expand access to low-carbon fuels for heavy-duty vehicles by establishing a network of 30 CNG stations in California by 2025 and highlighting the Company’s commitment of producing 40,000 million BTUs of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) daily by 2030.
Given their extensive experience with both CNG and LNG, Fiedler Group was contracted by Wayne Perry Inc (WPI – Chevron’s construction contractor) to provide Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) services for four groundbreaking projects. Along with WPI, Fiedler Group has 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 includes entitlement processing, construction documents, and permitting.
LOST HILLS
Located at 21981 Hwy 46, the Lost Hills project represents the first Heavy Duty Vehicle CNG fueling project that Fiedler Group designed and permitted for Chevron. Fiedler Group provided a full range of design services, overcoming various challenges to bring the project to fruition.
Careful consideration was given to the placement of the CNG equipment compound and fueling canopy to utilize existing entrance and egress driveways, ensuring efficient vehicle flow. Additionally, installing the equipment compound around the existing monument sign while maintaining necessary clearances for system vents demonstrated Fiedler Group’s design expertise and attention to detail.
Construction of the Lost Hills CNG station was successfully completed in December of 2021, adding another milestone to Chevron’s portfolio of sustainable infrastructure developments.
VISALIA
In 2022 Chevron made headlines with the opening of its second CNG station in California. Located at 8835 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia, this Chevron CNG station was the result and yet another step toward executing Chevron’s vision. The successful completion of this station was a collaboration between Chevron, Valley Pacific, a prominent fuel marketer in California, Wayne Perry Inc, and Fiedler Group.
The installation of a new compression, storage, and dispensing system was a key component of the project as was navigating the challenges posed by the station’s location in a floodplain. Fiedler Group achieved compliance with building code requirements by designing an elevated electrical area and re-engineered the existing retention pond to accommodate the station’s footprint without compromising its functionality.
The ongoing success of the Visalia station underscores Chevron and its partners’ commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable infrastructure development.
MONTEBELLO
The Montebello Heavy-Duty Vehicle RNG Fueling Station, located at 601 S. Vail Avenue, was the third station designed and constructed in Chevron’s quest for a cleaner tomorrow.
The path to achieving this vision, however, 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. Despite these hurdles, the Fiedler Group innovative design incorporated a new 3-lane fueling canopy and equipment enclosure, optimizing space and functionality.
The culmination of these efforts was marked on September 8, 2023, with the successful completion of the RNG fueling station. This accomplishment signified not only another 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.
STOCKTON
Building on the successful openings of the Lost Hills, Visalia and Montebello Stations, Chevron opened the Stockton project marking the fourth Heavy Duty Vehicle CNG fueling project that Fiedler Group designed and permitted.
Situated at 1524 S. Fresno Avenue in the City of Stockton, the project once again posed notable challenges including the site’s lack of power and existing natural gas service as well the location of an adjacent drainage pond to the site. Despite these obstacles, Fiedler Group successfully designed a new 2-lane fueling canopy and equipment enclosure, adapting the station to its surroundings while ensuring minimal disturbance to the pond.
Moreover, redesigning the existing entrance and egress driveways to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles posed another challenge, which was adeptly addressed by WPI during the construction phase. Construction of the Stockton CNG station was completed in October 2023, further solidifying Chevron’s commitment to providing sustainable fueling solutions.
CONCLUSION
These projects not only promote clean energy but also exemplify the power of engineering and design in overcoming challenges when bringing this important technology to market. To learn more about how Fiedler Group can service your project needs, please contact us here.
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.
To learn more about how Fiedler Group can service your project needs, please contact us here.
California’s Ambitious Plan for a Hydrogen-Powered Future Unveiled by Governor Newsom
August 30th, 2023 by Fiedler Group
In a significant move towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a groundbreaking strategy to establish California as a leader in the hydrogen economy. The Governor has tasked the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) with the development of the California Hydrogen Market Development Strategy. This comprehensive approach aims to cultivate a robust market for clean and renewable hydrogen, echoing the successful model of the Zero-Emission Vehicle Market Development Strategy. The goal is to propel California towards a future characterized by zero-emission benefits that positively impact all residents.
Governor Newsom emphasized the state’s commitment to embracing clean, renewable hydrogen as a pivotal element in the quest to reduce pollution and power the forthcoming generations.
The directive to expand the market for clean, renewable hydrogen is imperative for California’s climate objectives. This initiative will be instrumental in achieving ambitious milestones, including a clean electric grid, net-zero carbon emissions, and substantial reductions in air pollution. Furthermore, California is currently in competition to secure federal funding as a designated Hydrogen Hub. This initiative, bolstered by $8 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, seeks to establish multiple Hydrogen Hubs throughout the United States.
The California Hydrogen Market Development Strategy will encompass the following initiatives: Accelerating Clean Energy Deployment, Building on Existing Foundations, Collaborative Governance, Project Delivery Strategies, Inclusive Engagement, and Coordinated Efforts. This innovative strategy builds upon Governor Newsom’s previous executive order, which established an Infrastructure Strike Team to streamline projects across the state. The Hydrogen Strategy emerges as a result of collaborative efforts from the Infrastructure Strike Team’s hydrogen, clean energy, transportation, and zero-emission vehicle workgroups.
Fiedler Group continues to be a leader in hydrogen fueling station design and engineering, as well as navigating even the most difficult entitlement and permitting processes. To learn more about how Fiedler Group can support you, please visit our website, or contact us here.
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has opened a new Heavy-Duty Vehicle CNG fueling station in Bakersfield, California
March 17th, 2020 by Fiedler Group
TheSouthern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has opened a new Heavy-Duty Vehicle Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station in Bakersfield, California.
Read the rest of this entry »SoCalGas Announces a Groundbreakingly New Solar-Powered Hydrogen Generation System
May 23rd, 2018 by Fiedler Group
While at the California Air Resources Board Technology Expo and Symposium at the University of California, Riverside held on May 17th, 2018, Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) announced a groundbreakingly new solar-powered hydrogen generation system. The project is a partnership between SoCalGas, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the STARS Corporation. Read the rest of this entry »
Zero-Emission Fuel Cell Electric Bus Service Growing in Orange County, California
January 9th, 2018 by Fiedler Group
Since 1991, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has been serving the residents and commuters throughout the 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County. Read the rest of this entry »