It will be tested in a Canadian railway locomotive
02-03-11
Westport receives grant to develop LNG system for high-horsepower applications
The funding of CAD 2.3 million was awarded by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), in collaboration with Canadian National Railways Company (CN Rail) and Gaz Métro Transportation Solutions. It will be used to investigate the design and feasibility of natural gas technology for high-horsepower uses, such as mining, rail, and marine.
The program will also evaluate the performance and durability testing of Westport’s HD liquefied natural gas system with both fuel and test facility provided by Gaz Métro Transportation Solutions. The prototype fuel system will be trialed and demonstrated in service using a Canadian National Railways locomotive.
The main objectives are significantly improve the cost structure and achieve compliance with increasingly stringent emission regulations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25%. "High-horsepower engines consume large amounts of fuel and LNG can provide a significant cost advantage over diesel while helping reduce emissions," said Bruce Hodgins, vice president of Market Development for Westport Innovations.
Furthermore, Mark Warawa, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment and Member of Parliament for Langley, stated: "Our Government is committed to supporting clean fuels as an effective measure to reduce emissions and create high-quality jobs for Canadians, and this project is an example of our leadership in driving technology innovation to help create a viable clean energy industry in the country."
Source: Westport Innovations Inc.