Unveils first natural gas fueling station; Expands CNG fleet of mixers
Iconic red-and-white mixing trucks go green
Chicago, IL ? Ozinga Brothers unveiled the city’s first privately owned natural gas fueling station today open to local businesses and government agencies and specifically designed for medium and heavy-use trucks and buses.
The alternative-energy fueling station, located at Ozinga’s Pilsen headquarters and equipped with compressed natural gas (CNG) pumps, will serve the 84-year-old concrete maker’s fleet of iconic red-and-white concrete mixing trucks.
Throughout this year, Ozinga has added 30 CNG cement mixers to its fleet. The company has plans to replace or convert its entire fleet of more than 500 mixing trucks and support vehicles by 2020 in an effort to achieve energy independence and promote alternative energy in Chicago.
“Building the fueling station and converting our fleet to natural gas reinforces our commitment to the foundation of Chicago’s new energy infrastructure,” said Ozinga, noting that the diesel-powered fleet of trucks consumes millions of gallons of fuel each year. “It satisfies a growing demand for energy that is greener, more affordable, and contributes to America’s energy independence.”
The first-of-its-kind station is open to Chicago-area businesses and municipalities, and fuels commercial vehicles, including medium and heavy-duty trucks as well as regular cars and fleets. The station has the capacity to fill more than 30 vehicles at one time.
Its central location will prove an easy and convenient method for CNG-powered vehicles to refuel near downtown and just off the Dan Ryan Expressway.
“I’m very pleased with the changes that Ozinga is making which will significantly reduce emissions, not only in the 25th Ward but throughout the city. The ability of more businesses and governments to go green is a major health benefit to our city,” said Alderman Danny Solís, whose ward includes Ozinga’s fueling station and Chicago headquarters. “This is an important first step that will help dictate the city’s energy future.”
“Through alternative energy investments like Ozinga’s, Chicago has become a leader in the new energy economy and is better equipped for a more efficient, cleaner and sustainable transportation system,” said Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Gabe Klein.
According to industry estimates, about 112,000 CNG vehicles are currently on the road in the United States, and there are more than 13 million worldwide. But less than 1,500 CNG fueling stations exist in the U.S., according to U.S. Energy Administration figures.
Construction of CNG fueling stations has lagged behind those of charging stations for electric vehicles, which are less costly to construct.
“We wanted to make this fueling station accessible to small, medium and large businesses,” Ozinga said. “The demand for natural gas vehicles will increase with greater availability to potential consumers. With more refueling stations, more businesses, consumers and car manufacturers will embrace and invest in CNG-powered vehicles.”
With gasoline prices rising and natural gas prices plummeting, CNG-fueled vehicles make more sense for cost-conscious businesses, particularly those relying heavily on vehicular transportation, like Ozinga. A gallon of pressurized natural gas is priced at about $2 cheaper than regular gasoline.
Ozinga is planning to construct and operate additional fueling stations in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. In its expansion plans, Ozinga is also considering opening its stations to the public for general use so motorists can fill up their personal CNG vehicles.
“Ozinga’s investment in the fueling station represents a commitment to building the city’s alternative fuel infrastructure, which will lower the cost of shipping and transporting goods, and enable businesses to take advantage of a domestic and renewable energy source,” said Jerry Roper, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to low prices at the natural gas pumps, there are economic benefits and incentives that make CNG vehicles a smart buy.
Illinois is one of several states offering incentives to CNG vehicle buyers with a tax credit of up to $4,000. In June, the Department of Energy awarded $30 million in research and development grants aimed to lower the costs of natural gas vehicles and construction of fueling stations. Also, the price for natural gas vehicles could go down significantly if Congress approves a federal tax credit of up to $10,000 that the Obama Administration has proposed in its 2013 budget.
Compressed natural gas is an abundant, odorless, colorless and tasteless gas comprised mostly of methane produced domestically and extracted from underground reservoirs. Just like a regular gasoline pump, a sealed pump transfers the natural gas from the station to tanks in the vehicles.
