September 10, 2007
A cross-section of NGV stakeholders met Aug. 24 at the Asilomar conference center in Pacific Grove to hash out priorities for funding through the California Energy Commission’s NGV Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program.
Led by BKI & Associates, a contractor helping the CEC develop a road map for the program, the diverse group of 29—including representatives of automakers, engine makers, fuel providers, government agencies, and nonprofits—reviewed a list of 50 research ideas, refined and discussed them, then voted on them based on their value for early implementation. The list is neither final nor complete, but the top priorities at this point include:
Develop, demonstrate, and evaluate natural gas–electric hybrid engines for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty applications with the most promise.
Integrate a broader range of engines and fuel systems into more OEM chassis for markets such as transit, refuse, short and regional hauling and off-road uses.
Develop or modify and certify engines for off-road applications.
Develop small-scale LNG production from landfills, other renewable sources, or the pipeline.
Develop low-cost conformable tanks for light-duty vehicles.
“There was remarkable focus on some of the high-priority items,” says Coalition President Mike Eaves. “That doesn’t mean the other things on list are not needed; they’re just not needed immediately.”
BKI sent the workshop notes to stakeholders last week and will gather additional comments, then create another draft of the road map document. That draft is expected to be circulated for comment in October, and will be followed by a final draft in December.
“We are striving to be as inclusive as possible and reach as many people as possible,” says BKI project manager Scott Fable. “This was not the final chance to offer us feedback.”
Contact Fable to comment or get more information at roadmap@bki.
Courtesy of CNGVC, www.cngvc.org.