Future of alternative fuel for transportation

  Thanks to the U.S. energy boom, the reliance on foreign fuel and the need for cleaner fuel alternatives,compressed natural gas  is becoming a popular and viable fuel of choice for many vehicles; especially fleet vehicles like busses, delivery vehicles, and garbage trucks. With more and morecng on the road, we are seeing asignificant need for more cng stations to meet the demand.

  In 1992 Energy Policy Act was enacted.  This policy requires that 75% of new light-duty federal vehicle fleets run on alternative fuels. Adoption of this rule means more municipalities must build alternative fuel CNG logostations.When the policy was enacted, there was a large CNG boom.  But it slowed by the late 1990’s. Now, due largely to the items referred to above, many cities are ramping up again.  Cities that are planning to build gas fuelling stationsmust follow state and federal regulations that outline building requirements as well as the permitting and inspections processes.Myriad agencies have developed standards guiding material selection, construction, and inspection of CNG stations including ASME, NFPA, CSA, and OSHA.

  There are many sources reporting on the infrastructure.  Many report approximately 1,400 stations currently,which may reach 1,600 to 1,700 by the end of 2015.  Approximately half of the existing and planned stations will be public access, meaning any vehicle from tractor trailers to passenger cars would be able to fuel up. While the other half will be private access, servicing the type of fleets referred to earlier.  This projected growth rate represents an increase of over 400% from 2010.

  It is safe to assume most construction of gas station is performed by contractors with experience in liquid fuel service installations, who will look to local gas utilities to tap the available natural gas infrastructure.Even the most reputable and experienced contractors find it difficult to navigate the permitting and inspection process to ensure safe construction and implementation of a station. NFPA 52-98, section 4-9, requires that proper installation of piping, jointing and venting must be performed by factory trained installers to prevent accidents that have the potential to cause serious damage.  There is a new emerging specialty in the industry, focusing on the need for contractors who can install high pressure, severe service piping.

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