Californian cement truck fleet aims for zero emissions, will use bio-CNG
CalPortland® Company has launched its CNG powered bulk hauler truck fleet, which will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and smog-causing emissions. The company commissioned 24 new “Near-Zero Emission” trucks that will transport cement to customers in Southern California. The green vehicles will be fueled with Clean Energy’s Redeem renewable fuel at a new private fueling hub located at CalPortland’s Oro Grande cement plant. Developed by OZINGA® Energy, the facility consist of 24 slow-fill stations and one fast-fill station.
“In 2017 Catalina Pacific, a CalPortland company commissioned 118 new ‘Near-Zero Emission’ concrete mixer trucks, serving the market in the greater Los Angeles area,” said Allen Hamblen, President/CEO of CalPortland. “By adding 24 cement bulk hauler trucks and a fueling center at our Oro Grande cement plant, CalPortland continues to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to achieving zero emissions through environmental stewardship and lowering our carbon footprint within the communities where we operate.”
CalPortland’s CNG bulk hauler fleet is being partly funded with a generous Prop 1B grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Additionally, the fueling station project received grant funds from the Mobile Source Emission Reductions Program (AB 2766) through the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (Mojave Desert AQMD).
San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Robert Lovingood added: “CalPortland has consistently taken a proactive approach to work toward greater efficiencies in the industry. Their commitment toward emission reduction is another example of their focused efforts. I appreciate Mojave Desert AQMD recognizing the significant value of this project through the awarding of funds. This addition will be a great benefit to our region.”
The fleet consists of 24 Kenworth T680 trucks containing the Cummins Westport ISX12N Near Zero (NZ) natural gas engine. The ISX12N is certified to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Air Resources Board (ARB) in California for meeting the 0.02 g/bhp-hr optional Low NOx Emissions standards- 90% lower than current emission standards. The Kenworth T680 trucks also feature an aerodynamic body to increase fuel efficiency, coupled with the Momentum 135DGE Fuel System which is designed for 600+ mile range.
CalPortland estimates a savings of nearly 10,000 metric tons of GHG annually by converting 24 diesel trucks to a CNG/biomethane powered fleet.
