Will NGVs Get The Hybrid Treatment?

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When you’re already powering one of the greenest cars in recent memory along with reducing the emissions of 200,000+ cars, trucks and heavy duty vehicles on North American roads, what can natural gas do for an encore? According to a recent release by the California Energy Commission (CEC), how about going hybrid?

Earlier this week the CEC released a competitive grant solicitation to look into ways to further improve natural gas vehicle efficiency by incorporating hybrid technology:

The purpose of this solicitation is to accelerate research and development of advanced natural gas engine-hybrid electric concepts for application in light heavy-duty to heavy-duty vehicles that are operated in fleets throughout California. 

 This solicitation will target research and development opportunities for hybrid systems and power management strategies that are optimal for a given application or duty cycle, and target modes where the vehicle is least efficient.

NGVs can already reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 percent over conventional gasoline powered vehicles, not to mention drastic reductions in nitrous oxides, black soot, and other vehicular emissions. It will be interesting to see what sort of efficiency boost could come from hybrid technology’s helping hand.

Here’s some more information on the proposal:

Energy Commission staff will hold one Pre-Application Workshop to discuss the solicitation with applicants. Participation is optional but encouraged.  Applicants may attend the workshop in-person, via the internet, or via conference call.

 Friday, March 14, 2014

10 a.m.

California Energy Commission

Hearing Room B

1516 9th Street

Sacramento, CA  95814

WebEx Instructions:

To join the WebEx meeting, visit https://energy.webex.com and enter the meeting number and password below:  

Meeting Number: 927 778 231

Meeting Password: meeting@10

Telephone Access Only:

Call 1-866-469-3239 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada). When prompted, enter the meeting number above. International callers may select their number from https://energy.webex.com/energy/globalcallin.php.  

 For more information:

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/pier.html#PON-13-506

AGA Releases 2014 Natural Gas Playbook

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Washington, D.C. – The American Gas Association (AGA) today released its 2014 Playbook, the essential handbook for understanding natural gas and how it can help achieve our nation’s economic, environmental and energy security goals. The 2014 Playbook contains the latest facts and data surrounding natural gas and its role in American life, including information about pipeline safety, supply and use, responsible resource development, economic benefits, emissions and energy efficiency.

“America’s abundance of clean, domestic, reliable and affordable natural gas provides a tremendous opportunity for our nation,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of AGA. “The Playbook is a vital resource for policymakers, regulators, media and anyone seeking to engage in a fact-based conversation about the realities of natural gas and its role as a foundation fuel in a clean and secure energy future.”

The 2014 Playbook covers the history and properties of natural gas, its role throughout all sectors of the American economy including transportation, statistics about natural gas use, the natural gas industry’s commitment to enhancing safety, and the priority issues and strategies with respect to the production, transmission, distribution and increased use of America’s clean and domestically abundant energy source. It also contains facts and information about industry innovation and direct economic benefits including customer savings and industry-related job growth.

“America’s local natural gas utilities have a longstanding record of safely and reliably delivering natural gas to homes and businesses throughout the nation,” McCurdy continued. “With nearly a century of expertise, AGA and its member companies are a trusted resource for natural gas information, and will lead the way for helping to ensure that all Americans can have access to the benefits of this incredible resource.”

The 2014 Playbook can be accessed online.