CHEVRON RNG/CNG STATIONS – The Quest for a Cleaner Tomorrow

March 12th, 2024 by Fiedler Group

One day, Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) will help reduce the life cycle carbon intensity of transportation fuels while meeting the world’s growing energy needs. Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies and a pioneer in the clean energy transition through relationships with partners to drive innovation such as developing a process where compressing RNG creates Compressed Natural Gas or CNG.

RNG is biogas produced from multiple sources, including livestock waste, landfills, wastewater sludge, food waste and other organic waste operations. RNG’s multi-uses which include for electricity generation, heating and cooking, bioplastics, and vehicle fuel can help improve local air quality and greenhouse gas reductions and reduce agricultural methane release in the atmosphere. Chevron works with its partners in the United States to convert methane from cow waste into RNG, which the U.S. and California classify as an advanced biofuel for transportation, for use in heavy-duty vehicles.

CNG stands out as an environmentally friendly and non-toxic alternative to conventional gasoline and diesel fuels. Its adoption contributes to a reduction in harmful emissions and eliminates the risk of groundwater contamination. By compressing natural gas (methane) to less than 1% of its original volume, CNG has gained traction among both commercial and non-commercial vehicle users.

Chevron continues to expand access to low-carbon fuels for heavy-duty vehicles by establishing a network of 30 CNG stations in California by 2025 and highlighting the Company’s commitment of producing 40,000 million BTUs of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) daily by 2030.

Given their extensive experience with both CNG and LNG, Fiedler Group was contracted by Wayne Perry Inc (WPI – Chevron’s construction contractor) to provide Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) services for four groundbreaking projects. Along with WPI, Fiedler Group has played a pivotal role in turning Chevron’s sustainability vision into a reality by delivering a comprehensive range of engineering and project management services, that includes entitlement processing, construction documents, and permitting.

LOST HILLS

Located at 21981 Hwy 46, the Lost Hills project represents the first Heavy Duty Vehicle CNG fueling project that Fiedler Group designed and permitted for Chevron. Fiedler Group provided a full range of design services, overcoming various challenges to bring the project to fruition.

Careful consideration was given to the placement of the CNG equipment compound and fueling canopy to utilize existing entrance and egress driveways, ensuring efficient vehicle flow. Additionally, installing the equipment compound around the existing monument sign while maintaining necessary clearances for system vents demonstrated Fiedler Group’s design expertise and attention to detail.

Construction of the Lost Hills CNG station was successfully completed in December of 2021, adding another milestone to Chevron’s portfolio of sustainable infrastructure developments.

Chevron Lost Hills: Note integration of equipment and signage location.

VISALIA

In 2022 Chevron made headlines with the opening of its second CNG station in California. Located at 8835 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia, this Chevron CNG station was the result and yet another step toward executing Chevron’s vision. The successful completion of this station was a collaboration between Chevron, Valley Pacific, a prominent fuel marketer in California, Wayne Perry Inc, and Fiedler Group.

The installation of a new compression, storage, and dispensing system was a key component of the project as was navigating the challenges posed by the station’s location in a floodplain. Fiedler Group achieved compliance with building code requirements by designing an elevated electrical area and re-engineered the existing retention pond to accommodate the station’s footprint without compromising its functionality.

The ongoing success of the Visalia station underscores Chevron and its partners’ commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable infrastructure development.

Chevron Visalia caters to both light-duty and heavy-duty CNG vehicles.

MONTEBELLO

The Montebello Heavy-Duty Vehicle RNG Fueling Station, located at 601 S. Vail Avenue, was the third station designed and constructed in Chevron’s quest for a cleaner tomorrow.

The path to achieving this vision, however, was not without its share of challenges. The Montebello project found its home on a portion of the existing Montebello Chevron Terminal that lacked power infrastructure, proper drainage and the appropriate ingress and egress. Despite these hurdles, the Fiedler Group innovative design incorporated a new 3-lane fueling canopy and equipment enclosure, optimizing space and functionality.

The culmination of these efforts was marked on September 8, 2023, with the successful completion of the RNG fueling station. This accomplishment signified not only another step forward in Chevron’s commitment to an eco-friendlier future but also a testament to how collaboration between industry leaders, innovative engineering, an experienced general contractor, and a dedication to environmental responsibility can lead to transformative results.

Chevron Montebello Ingress

STOCKTON

Building on the successful openings of the Lost Hills, Visalia and Montebello Stations, Chevron opened the Stockton project marking the fourth Heavy Duty Vehicle CNG fueling project that Fiedler Group designed and permitted.

Situated at 1524 S. Fresno Avenue in the City of Stockton, the project once again posed notable challenges including the site’s lack of power and existing natural gas service as well the location of an adjacent drainage pond to the site. Despite these obstacles, Fiedler Group successfully designed a new 2-lane fueling canopy and equipment enclosure, adapting the station to its surroundings while ensuring minimal disturbance to the pond.

Moreover, redesigning the existing entrance and egress driveways to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles posed another challenge, which was adeptly addressed by WPI during the construction phase. Construction of the Stockton CNG station was completed in October 2023, further solidifying Chevron’s commitment to providing sustainable fueling solutions.

Chevron Stockton, open for business Q4 2023.

CONCLUSION

These projects not only promote clean energy but also exemplify the power of engineering and design in overcoming challenges when bringing this important technology to market. To learn more about how Fiedler Group can service your project needs, please contact us here.