## Tourmaline and Clean Energy Drive Diesel Displacement with Expanding CNG Fueling Network in Alberta
Tourmaline Oil Corp. and Clean Energy Fuels Corp. are making significant strides in the transition to cleaner transportation fuels with the opening of two new compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations in Alberta. These stations, strategically located in Calgary and Grande Prairie, represent a key milestone in their ongoing commitment to establishing Western Canada’s first commercial-grade public CNG fueling network.
This initiative is more than just adding fueling stations; it’s about creating a sustainable and reliable source of CNG for long-haul trucks and other fleets, ultimately displacing diesel fuel and reducing harmful emissions. The new stations, along with the Edmonton station that opened in April 2023, form a critical transportation corridor for trucking companies looking to convert their fleets from diesel to CNG.
The Benefits of CNG Fuel
The shift to CNG provides numerous benefits for the environment and the trucking industry. CNG-powered vehicles produce significantly lower emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter compared to diesel-powered vehicles. This makes CNG a vital tool in addressing climate change and improving air quality.
“We are expanding our multi-year diesel displacement initiative by making CNG more readily available to heavy-duty trucking companies,” said Michael Rose, Chairman, President, and CEO of Tourmaline. “Right here in Alberta, we have the technology, an abundance of natural gas, and now the infrastructure to help facilitate a transformative shift in the transportation sector.”
A Growing Network and Customer Base
The $70 million Joint Development Agreement between Tourmaline and Clean Energy, announced in April 2023, has already made substantial progress. Their goal is to build up to 20 CNG fueling stations across Western Canada within the next five years, and in just over a year, they’ve already attracted nine market-leading companies as customers. These companies have collectively displaced two million liters of diesel by utilizing CNG technology.
Industry Collaboration and Innovation
The development of this critical infrastructure comes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the introduction of Cummins’ new X15N natural gas engine. This engine, praised for its diesel-like performance and reliability, is proving to be a game-changer for the trucking industry. Cummins’ X15N has already been tested by leading fleets like Walmart, Werner, Knight Swift, FedEx Freight, and UPS, demonstrating its ability to deliver significant emissions reductions without sacrificing capability.
“The adoption of CNG has continued to accelerate over the last year, as more companies recognize the benefits of displacing diesel with a reliable fuel that is easy to use and extremely cost competitive for fleets,” said Andrew Littlefair, President and CEO of Clean Energy. “The development of this critical infrastructure is perfectly timed as the important new X15N natural gas engine from Cummins is being introduced to the trucking industry to rave reviews. We expect that the combination of more fueling locations and the new engine technology, which is perfectly suited for the Canadian market, will pave the way for continued growth of CNG.”
Mullen Group Leads the Way
Mullen Group Ltd., a leading North American logistics provider, was the first company to support the Tourmaline and Clean Energy initiative. They are committed to sustainability and have one of the largest CNG-powered truck fleets in Alberta. With the opening of these new fueling stations, Mullen Group is poised to expand their CNG fleet and offer sustainable transportation solutions to a wider customer base.
“As one of North America’s largest logistics providers, the Mullen Group is committed to being a leader in sustainability. Today we operate one of the largest CNG-powered truck fleets in the Province of Alberta, now having 19 fully operational, with plans to deploy another 15 units as soon as they become available. Our CNG fleet continues to perform well, and now with the opening of these additional fueling stations, we can position the CNG units in additional markets, providing an ESG alternative to a broader scope of customers,” said Murray Mullen, Chair, SEO, and President of Mullen Group.
Government Support
The Alberta government is fully behind this initiative, recognizing its significance for the province’s economic and environmental future.
“Western Canada’s first natural gas highway is taking shape right here in Alberta, driven by the innovative efforts of Tourmaline and Clean Energy,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. “This collaboration showcases how industry-led initiatives can drive more efficient transportation solutions. Alberta is proud to support forward-thinking projects that will help create a more sustainable future for long-haul trucking across Canada.”
Looking Ahead
The completion of the 20-station network has the potential to fuel up to 3,000 natural gas-powered trucks daily. Construction on the next CNG fueling station is already underway in Kamloops, B.C., with Fort McMurray and Fort St. John to follow. The CNG stations are equipped with the infrastructure necessary for renewable natural gas (RNG), paving the way for a seamless transition when RNG becomes more widely available in Canada.
This initiative represents a significant step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for transportation in Western Canada. As the CNG network expands and CNG technology continues to advance, the potential for diesel displacement and emission reduction grows exponentially. Tourmaline and Clean Energy’s collaboration is a testament to the power of industry leadership and innovation in driving positive change in the transportation sector.