CNG In A Box, a project launched earlier this year to provide compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling options for large- and small-scale retailers, was unveiled Monday by GE and a Chesapeake Energy Corp. affiliate, Peake Fuel Solutions.

GE and Chesapeake in March announced a multi-year, three-part collaboration to rev up demand to use natural gas as a transportation fuel, not only for fleets but also for consumers (see Daily GPI, March 8). CNG In A Box, the first venture, is designed to lower fleet vehicle fueling costs over traditional gasoline fueling by 40% and lower emissions by 24%.

The system compresses natural gas from a pipeline into CNG on-site at a traditional automotive fueling station or industrial location. CNG-powered vehicles then may refill their tanks using a dispenser with the “same look and feel” of a traditional diesel or gasoline dispenser.

Chesapeake’s Kent Wilkinson, vice president of natural gas ventures, said the producer had worked “extensively” with GE to develop the system. “Combining Peake Fuel Solution’s natural gas expertise and GE’s breadth of cross-industry technology capabilities will advance the use of abundant and affordable natural gas fueling solutions.”

GE this fall plans to have more than 250 systems available for natural gas vehicle infrastructure. The eight-foot by 20-foot modular system is being manufactured by Wayne, a GE Energy business, which also manufactures traditional petroleum dispensers. The alternative fuel CNG dispensers would allow pay-at-the-pump technology, GE said.

“The CNG In A Box system is a unique fueling solution that brings together some of the best innovation from across GE to help fleet owners and everyday drivers realize the benefits of cleaner burning, abundant, more affordable natural gas,” said GE Oil & Gas’ Mike Hosford, general manager of unconventional resources.

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