The Natural Gas Innovation Fund (NGIF), created by the Canadian Gas Association (CGA), announced an investment of $500,000 towards the development and testing of Westport Fuel Systems’ high performance CNG storage system. This is in partnership with the project co-funders and supporters including Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Ford Motor Company and Linamar Corporation.
Westport Fuel Systems’ innovative conformable CNG storage system demonstrates the value proposition of natural gas and renewable natural gas by advancing a technology that can deliver lower transportation emissions in the Canadian truck market. Nationally, 18% of the light-duty vehicles sold in 2018 were full-size pickup trucks including the Ford F-150. The innovation here provides a significant opportunity for the greater use of cleaner, more affordable natural gas in this light-duty transportation market.
Their new system delivers greater CNG storage while leveraging today’s existing CNG tank technology that includes a polymer liner with carbon fiber composite overwrap infused with epoxy resin. This revolutionary conformable CNG tank technology will allow greater volumes of CNG to be stored on-board vehicles without encroaching on load or passenger space, thereby improving payload flexibility.
“Using more natural gas in the transportation sector will help reduce operating and fuel costs, and lower emissions. By supporting this revolutionary storage technology, together with the private sector, our government is helping Canadian companies that own trucking fleets adopt cleaner fuel sources without compromising their day-to-day efficiency,” said Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources Canada.
“Funding support from the Natural Gas Innovation Fund enables Westport Fuel Systems to develop our new and novel conformable CNG storage technology. Natural gas engines offer one of the cleanest and most economical options available for pick-up truck customers today. This key investment in conformable CNG storage will further accelerate the deployment of NGVs in the Canadian market,” commented Jim Arthurs, Executive Vice President, Westport Fuel Systems Inc.
“NGIF is excited to support Westport Fuel Systems by investing in the research and development of their latest clean-tech solutions for the natural gas transportation market. This product will offer sustainable growth of natural gas vehicles for the benefit of Canada’s economy and environment,” added John Adams, Managing Director, Natural Gas Innovation Fund.
Source: NGIF
