Alternative fuels offer fleets a unique opportunity to save money and reduce emissions. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting alternative fuel technologies and the Clean Fuels Michigan members that are leaders in innovative clean transportation solutions for fleets.
To kick things off, we’re taking a look at the opportunities that natural gas can afford fleets. Public and private, on and off-road, marine, rail, and many other vehicles can run on natural gas. The largest sector that currently uses natural gas vehicles is transit with 11,000 buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). Also, there are over 3,000 school buses that run on natural gas and 35 U.S. airports that have natural gas vehicles in their fleets.
Vehicles that travel a predictable range make excellent candidates for natural gas because fueling stations can be installed to fit the fleet’s needs. Fleets can purchase natural gas vehicles from original equipment manufacturers or convert existing vehicles to run on natural gas.
Natural gas vehicles offer many advantages. To begin with, they are cleaner than their diesel and gas-powered counterparts. Natural gas class 8 trucks are 90% cleaner than the current EPA nitrous oxide standard and they emit 21% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, natural gas vehicles are affordable and fuel prices have long-term stability. These vehicles also offer a quick return on investment because of lower fuel and maintenance costs. For example, for a heavy-duty high-mileage fleet, there is an 18–24-month payback.
Renewable Natural Gas is an Even Cleaner Option
Renewable natural gas (RNG) reduces lifecycle emissions even more. Renewable natural gas is chemically the same as natural gas but is processed from waste in livestock operations, wastewater treatment, and landfills. Though renewable natural gas currently has limited applications in Michigan, there are several projects in development such as a biodigester facility in Grand Rapids, and a landfill gas-to-RNG facility in Lansing.
Waste Management’s Experience with CNG
Waste Management offers services such as garbage collection and disposal, recycling, and dumpster rental and is a leader in integrating alternative fuels into their fleet. By the end of 2022, 59% of Waste Management’s fleet will be compressed natural gas (CNG) and the goal is to be at 75% CNG at the end of 2025.
In Michigan, Waste Management will have 400 CNG assets on the road by the end of this year. According to Rich Warzecha, Area Director of Fleet for WM, “CNG is more efficient [than diesel], and we are able to gain more fuel range… For every diesel-powered truck we replace with natural gas, we reduce our annual fuel use by an average of 8,000 gallons, an equivalent of 14 metric tons of greenhouse gas. CNG vehicles are quieter than diesel trucks and emit nearly zero particulate emissions, which helps improve air quality.”
Innovative Technology Makes CNG More Accessible
Not only that, but new technology is also available to improve efficiency and adaptability. Ingevity’s ANG/RNG turnkey solution offers fleets of any size and location the opportunity to use RNG without access to either public or private CNG infrastructure. The ANG technology, produced from wood, a sustainable raw material, operates at a significantly lower pressure compared to CNG allowing the use of low-cost, small fueling appliances that can be located wherever natural gas is available. As Erik Versen, Commercialization Manager at Ingevity explained, “Fleets can save money and reduce their carbon footprint today with the ANG/RNG solution.”
With use cases right in our backyard and new technology making this type of clean transportation more accessible, Michigan fleets and businesses stand to benefit in both air quality and financial savings in the transition to natural gas.
