Clean Energy Fuels, Clackamas, Oregon

November 25th, 2014 by Fiedler Group

The Kroger Co. has partnered with Clean Energy Fuels to replace their fleet of 40 heavy-duty diesel trucks with 40 new liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuelled vehicles.

The country’s second-largest retailer believes that becoming Oregon’s first company to deploy a fleet of heavy-duty trucks that run on LNG will enable Kroger to minimize its impact on the environment (reducing greenhouse gas emissions up to 23 percent) and reduce operating costs for its vehicles.

The first step in this process has been completed with the construction of this private LNG station at the Kroger Distribution Center in Clackamas, Oregon.

The fuel station features one 18,000 gallon tank and two LNG dispensers, as well as safety and support equipment.

The distribution center also required modification to the existing maintenance facility to safely support maintenance of the new LNG vehicles.

On commenting on Kroger Co.’s transition to LNG, Kevin Dougherty, Kroger’s group vice president and chief supply chain officer noted “This is the first step in Kroger’s effort to transition our fleet to alternative fuels. Converting to LNG will allow us to reinvest savings into lower prices for our customers while also benefitting the environment”.

Trucks based at the Clackamas Distribution Center will make deliveries to about 50 Fred Meyer and QFC stores as far south as Corvallis, Oregon, and northward to Longview, Washington, averaging about 175 miles per day, 6 days per week.

Kroger anticipates nearly 755 metric tons / year in reduced greenhouse gas emissions from their fleet operations.

The Clackamas facility is to be the first in Kroger’s partnership with Clean Energy, which is the leading provider of natural gas fuel for transportation in North America, boasts over 500 natural gas fueling stations across the nation.