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Transforming Freight Transportation
May 9th, 2024 by Fiedler Group
The Launch of NorCAL ZERO Project by the Center for Transportation and the Environment and Hyundai Motor Company
Fiedler Group salutes the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) and Hyundai Motor Company who reached a significant milestone in clean energy innovation with the launch of the NorCAL ZERO project. This groundbreaking initiative, celebrated at the FirstElement Hydrogen Fueling station in West Oakland, marks a pivotal moment in bringing zero-emission freight transportation to the Bay Area and Central Valley.
The NorCAL ZERO project, a collaborative effort totaling $54 million, aims to deploy 30 units of Hyundai Motor Company’s Class 8 XCIENT Fuel Cell electric trucks. These trucks, heralded as the world’s first mass-produced, heavy-duty trucks powered by hydrogen, symbolize a new era in sustainable transportation. Funding for the project is a testament to cross-sector collaboration that includes contributions from various entities such as CARB, CEC, Alameda CTC, BAAQMD, and project partners. This collaborative financing model underscores the shared commitment to achieving California’s clean air and climate goals.
West Oakland, historically overburdened by air pollution, will see real life health benefits through a reduction in diesel fuels. The project is predicted to mitigate 24,362 metric tons of carbon-dioxide emissions, equivalent to saving 2,393,124 gallons of diesel fuel over six years, thus improving public health and environmental quality in the region.
Operated by G.E.T. Freight, a subsidiary of Glovis America, the Hyundai trucks will serve in transporting goods from the Port of Oakland and cars from the Port of Richmond. The trucks refuel at a state-of-the-art liquid hydrogen fueling station operated by FirstElement Fuel, showcasing the necessary infrastructure for supporting large-scale adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Fiedler Group providing engineering and permitting services for a state-of-the-art maintenance facility to contribute to continuity of infrastructure.
At the dedication event, notable figures including representatives from governmental bodies, private enterprises, and non-profit organizations lent their voices to the occasion, emphasizing the project’s significance in advancing both environmental stewardship and equitable access to cleaner transportation solutions.
The project’s significance extends beyond technological innovation; it serves as a blueprint for future deployments of zero-emission vehicles across the United States As the NorCAL ZERO project unfolds, it not only demonstrates the viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology but also sets a precedent for collaborative efforts in advancing clean energy solutions. With a commitment to cleaner air, healthier communities, and economic vitality, initiatives like NorCAL ZERO pave the way for a more sustainable future in freight transportation.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Celebrating Nikola Corporation’s Expanding Hydrogen Fueling Network With a New Station in Southern California
September 19th, 2024 by Fiedler Group
In a significant step toward supporting the growth of zero-emission transportation, Nikola Corporation, through its HYLA brand, has opened another new hydrogen refueling station in Southern California. Located at 13443 Freeway Drive in Santa Fe Springs, the new station serves as a critical hub for Nikola’s Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks and is positioned at Tom’s Truck Center, a vital part of Nikola’s sales and service dealer network.
The modular fueling station, which began operations on August 12, 2024, represents a significant step in Nikola’s plan to expand access to hydrogen infrastructure. With a goal of establishing multiple fueling locations by the end of the year, this station is a key component of Nikola’s broader strategy to meet the growing demand for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) through a combination of partner stations, modular and permanent fueling stations. These partnerships are crucial in supporting the deployment of Nikola’s Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks and ensuring customers have access to critical fueling infrastructure.
The Santa Fe Springs station is also a vital piece in achieving Nikola’s hydrogen fueling goals in Southern California. Alongside existing stations in Ontario and Long Beach, it extends Nikola’s service area across multiple counties, ensuring the infrastructure can accommodate the needs of its expanding customer base.
As demand for sustainable transportation continues to grow, Nikola is uniquely positioned to cement its role as a leader in zero-emission transportation. As the first in the industry to integrate the deployment of Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks with an expanding hydrogen fueling infrastructure, Nikola is revolutionizing clean energy transportation for heavy-duty vehicles and setting the stage for a more sustainable future.
Fiedler Group is proud to be working with Nikola on this important program, providing engineering and permitting services for both modular and permanent fueling sites.
Nikola Unveils First HYLA Refueling Station in Southern California
April 3rd, 2024 by Fiedler Group
Nikola Corporation, a leader in zero-emissions transportation and energy solutions, proudly announced the grand opening of its HYLA high-pressure modular refueling station in Ontario, California. This milestone marks a significant stride towards establishing a robust hydrogen refueling network, especially tailored for Class 8 trucks, within the region.
The opening included fleet customers, dealers, government representatives, industry insiders, and Nikola team members. Notable highlights of the grand opening included speeches from Nikola executives, industry expert Joe Biagi, and representatives from the City of Ontario and Congresswoman Norma Torres’s office, who awarded Certificates of Recognition to Nikola for this achievement.
Attendees were treated to demonstrations showcasing truck and hydrogen refueling procedures, alongside facility tours and technology Q&A sessions facilitated by Nikola engineers. The event also provided firsthand experiences with Nikola’s cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, underscoring the company’s commitment to deploying advanced eco-friendly technologies on our nation’s roadways.
Located at 2445 E. Guasti Road, Ontario, CA, the newly operational station is equipped to refuel up to 40 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 trucks daily. This strategic move aligns with Nikola’s ambitious plan to establish nine refueling solutions by mid-2024, with a total of 14 operational stations slated by year-end. Fiedler Group is proud to support Nikola with their engineering and permitting needs to increase fueling infrastructure throughout California.
Nikola’s unwavering commitment extends beyond the grand opening, with round-the-clock support furnished by onsite HYLA Ambassadors and Operation Technicians, ensuring a seamless and efficient refueling experience for customers.
President of Energy at Nikola, Ole Hoefelmann, expressed pride in this historic achievement, acknowledging the pivotal role played by the City of Ontario in realizing this vision. He emphasized the significance of this moment as a catalyst for advancing sustainable transportation and reaffirmed Nikola’s dedication to spearheading zero-emission trucking solutions.
Collaborating closely with industry leaders, Nikola is steadfast in fortifying the hydrogen supply chain and expanding its HYLA refueling infrastructure to meet burgeoning demand. This concerted effort is poised to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, driving the imperative decarbonization of transportation.
Congresswoman Norma Torres hailed the initiative as a boon for the Inland Empire, emphasizing the transformative impact of clean energy technologies in job creation and climate mitigation. She stressed the importance of continued investments in clean energy solutions to fortify communities against future challenges.
Nikola’s HYLA refueling solutions network is primed to offer customers a diverse array of flexible refueling options, including modular and permanent stations, customer-owned facilities, and collaborations with public truck stops. This includes the recent landmark agreement with FirstElement Fuel for a hydrogen refueling station in Oakland, Calif.
In essence, Nikola’s inauguration of the first HYLA refueling station in Southern California signifies a significant leap towards a greener, more sustainable future in transportation, underlining the company’s unwavering commitment to pioneering eco-friendly innovations.
Fueling the Future: The Montebello Project’s Journey to Sustainable Transportation
October 25th, 2023 by Fiedler Group
In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront of discussions, projects that champion sustainability and innovation deserve recognition. One such project that stands out is the Montebello Heavy-Duty Vehicle RNG (Renewal Natural Gas) Fueling Station, located at 601 S. Vail Avenue. The Montebello project is the third of its kind designed and permitted by Fiedler Group and project managed and constructed by Wayne Perry Inc. (WPI) for Chevron. This project not only promotes clean energy but also exemplifies the power of engineering and design in overcoming challenges when bringing this important technology to market.
What is Renewable Natural Gas and Why Does it Matter?
Renewable natural gas, or RNG, is biogas that has been upgraded and placed in the conventional natural gas system. It is produced from multiple sources, including livestock waste, landfills, wastewater sludge, food waste and other organic waste operations. RNG can be used for electricity generation, thermal functions like heating and cooking, bioplastics and vehicle fuel.
As an integral part of its portfolio of solutions, Chevron works with its partners in the United States to convert methane from cow waste into RNG for use in heavy-duty vehicles. One day RNG will help reduce the life cycle carbon intensity of transportation fuels while meeting the world’s growing energy needs. Moreover, RNG is essential for the growth of lower carbon fuel markets and can help reduce the impact of organic wastes.
A Vision for Sustainability
In an era where sustainability and environmental stewardship are keystones to reducing carbon emissions, the Chevron Montebello project emerges as a significant step towards a greener future in transportation. Committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy alternatives, Chevron contracted WPI to design and build the Heavy-Duty Vehicle RNG fueling station. This station will make a substantial impact by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Given their extensive experience with both CNG and LNG, Fiedler Group was contracted to provide Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) services for this project. Fiedler Group 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 included entitlement processing, construction documents, and permitting.
However, the path to achieving this vision 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. Although these deficiencies were challenging, Fiedler Group’s expertise was brought to bear to provide innovative solutions and creative strategies to fulfill Chevron’s sustainability goals.
The culmination of these efforts was marked on September 8, 2023, with the successful completion of the RNG fueling station. This accomplishment signifies not only a 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.
To learn more about how Fiedler Group can service your project needs, please contact us here.
California’s Ambitious Plan for a Hydrogen-Powered Future Unveiled by Governor Newsom
August 30th, 2023 by Fiedler Group
In a significant move towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a groundbreaking strategy to establish California as a leader in the hydrogen economy. The Governor has tasked the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) with the development of the California Hydrogen Market Development Strategy. This comprehensive approach aims to cultivate a robust market for clean and renewable hydrogen, echoing the successful model of the Zero-Emission Vehicle Market Development Strategy. The goal is to propel California towards a future characterized by zero-emission benefits that positively impact all residents.
Governor Newsom emphasized the state’s commitment to embracing clean, renewable hydrogen as a pivotal element in the quest to reduce pollution and power the forthcoming generations.
The directive to expand the market for clean, renewable hydrogen is imperative for California’s climate objectives. This initiative will be instrumental in achieving ambitious milestones, including a clean electric grid, net-zero carbon emissions, and substantial reductions in air pollution. Furthermore, California is currently in competition to secure federal funding as a designated Hydrogen Hub. This initiative, bolstered by $8 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, seeks to establish multiple Hydrogen Hubs throughout the United States.
The California Hydrogen Market Development Strategy will encompass the following initiatives: Accelerating Clean Energy Deployment, Building on Existing Foundations, Collaborative Governance, Project Delivery Strategies, Inclusive Engagement, and Coordinated Efforts. This innovative strategy builds upon Governor Newsom’s previous executive order, which established an Infrastructure Strike Team to streamline projects across the state. The Hydrogen Strategy emerges as a result of collaborative efforts from the Infrastructure Strike Team’s hydrogen, clean energy, transportation, and zero-emission vehicle workgroups.
Fiedler Group continues to be a leader in hydrogen fueling station design and engineering, as well as navigating even the most difficult entitlement and permitting processes. To learn more about how Fiedler Group can support you, please visit our website, or contact us here.
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has opened a new Heavy-Duty Vehicle CNG fueling station in Bakersfield, California
March 17th, 2020 by Fiedler Group
TheSouthern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has opened a new Heavy-Duty Vehicle Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station in Bakersfield, California.
Read the rest of this entry »SoCalGas Announces a Groundbreakingly New Solar-Powered Hydrogen Generation System
May 23rd, 2018 by Fiedler Group
While at the California Air Resources Board Technology Expo and Symposium at the University of California, Riverside held on May 17th, 2018, Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) announced a groundbreakingly new solar-powered hydrogen generation system. The project is a partnership between SoCalGas, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the STARS Corporation. Read the rest of this entry »
Zero-Emission Fuel Cell Electric Bus Service Growing in Orange County, California
January 9th, 2018 by Fiedler Group
Since 1991, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has been serving the residents and commuters throughout the 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County. Read the rest of this entry »
New Hydrogen Refueling Stations Link North and South Germany
August 22nd, 2017 by Fiedler Group
The joint venture H2 Mobility Deutschland and its partners Air Liquide, Daimler, Linde and Shell officially opened two new hydrogen refuelling stations today in Frankfurt and Wiesbaden. Read the rest of this entry »
LA Metro Awards Contract for 295 New Natural Gas Buses
July 11th, 2017 by Fiedler Group
On June 22nd 2017 the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted to purchase 295 40-foot compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which will be fueled by renewable natural gas (RNG). Read the rest of this entry »