The Richmond International Airport expects to save between $25,000 and $50,000 per year after converting its fleet to compressed natural gas, according to Green Alternative Systems, which helped the Virginia airport make the switch.
This represents a savings of about $1 per gallon compared to diesel fuel.
Converting the fleet to CNG also cuts gas emissions by 20 percent and nitrogen oxide by over 80 percent. No particulates in burning gasoline or diesel means a much cleaner burning fuel.
The airport became interested in CNG conversions when the city’s department of public utilities reported savings of 48 percent on fuel costs by converting refuse trucks to CNG. The airport ultimately converted its fleet of 155 buses and vans to reduce costs, improve the environment and reduce noise.
NGVAmerica in November launched the NGVAmerica Station Analysis Map, a tool that maps US natural gas stations and highlights the vehicle ranges supported by the stations in 100-, 400- and 600-mile increments.
