With contributions from the NGV America, Castlen wants to conclude her thesis research with a project that will demonstrate how natural gas could serve as a transportation fuel in the United States. During the trip, she will be exploring the fuel cost savings and environmental benefits of an NGV and capturing personal insights about the possible challenges a driver of a gas-powered vehicle may face.
The limited number of CNG stations between Austin and Boston has forced Castlen to add a few hundred miles to her journey. But, with the cheaper cost of natural gas per mile driven and the miles the driver expects to travel per tank, she may actually save money on fuel over the entire trip.
The American student is pursuing her dual masters’ degree at the University of Texas at Austin, working towards a Masters in Public Affairs at the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs and a Masters of Arts in Energy & Earth Resources at the Jackson School of Geosciences. In addition, she works part time for Apache Corporation, an independent oil and natural gas producer headquartered in Houston.
It is worth mentioning that the trip is also supported by Apache Corporation, CenterPoint Energy, CNG Now!, El Paso, Jackson School of Geosciences, LBJ School of Public Affairs, Quicksilver Resources, Southwestern Energy and Texas Gas Service.
