Tourmaline Oil Corp. and Clean Energy Fuels Corp. have announced the opening of two new compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations in Alberta, marking a significant step towards establishing Western Canada’s first commercial-grade public CNG network. The new facilities, located in Calgary and Grande Prairie, join the Edmonton station that opened in April 2023, creating a vital transportation corridor for trucking companies transitioning from diesel to CNG.
Using CNG to power long-haul trucks and other fleets is expected to significantly reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter when compared to traditional diesel engines. The initiative aims to encourage trucking companies to embrace cleaner fuel alternatives.
Michael Rose, Chairman, President, and CEO of Tourmaline, highlighted the company’s commitment to the diesel displacement initiative. “We are expanding our multi-year diesel displacement initiative by making CNG more readily available to heavy-duty trucking companies,” he said. “Right here in Alberta, we have the technology, an abundance of natural gas, and now the infrastructure to help facilitate a transformative shift in the transportation sector.”
The partnership between Tourmaline and Clean Energy, which was formalised in a $70 million Joint Development Agreement announced in April 2023, aims to build up to 20 CNG fueling stations across Western Canada over the next five years. Since launching, the initiative has already attracted nine leading companies that have collectively displaced two million litres of diesel through CNG technology.
Andrew Littlefair, President and CEO of Clean Energy, noted the accelerating adoption of CNG among trucking companies. “The adoption of CNG has continued to accelerate over the last year, as more companies recognise the benefits of displacing diesel with a reliable fuel that is easy to use and extremely cost-competitive for fleets,” he said. The timing of the infrastructure development aligns with the introduction of Cummins’ new X15N natural gas engine to the Canadian market, which has received positive feedback from various fleet operators.
Cummins’ X15N engine, designed for heavy-duty trucks, has undergone rigorous testing with leading logistics companies, including Walmart, FedEx, and UPS, demonstrating diesel-like performance while reducing harmful emissions. Mullen Group Ltd., a key partner in the initiative, plans to nearly double its fleet of CNG-fueled trucks, illustrating the growing interest in sustainable logistics.
“As one of North America’s largest logistics providers, the Mullen Group is committed to being a leader in sustainability,” said Murray Mullen, Chair, CEO, and President of Mullen Group. “Our CNG fleet continues to perform well, and now with the opening of these additional fueling stations, we can position the CNG units in additional markets, providing an ESG alternative to a broader scope of customers.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith praised the collaborative efforts of Tourmaline and Clean Energy, stating, “Western Canada’s first natural gas highway is taking shape right here in Alberta, driven by the innovative efforts of Tourmaline and Clean Energy. This collaboration showcases how industry-led initiatives can drive more efficient transportation solutions.”
Once completed, the 20-station network is expected to support up to 3,000 natural gas-powered trucks daily. Construction on the next CNG fueling station is set to commence in Kamloops, B.C., with additional stations planned for Fort McMurray and Fort St. John. The CNG stations are designed with the infrastructure necessary for renewable natural gas (RNG), facilitating a seamless transition to RNG as it becomes more widely available in Canada. Visit http://www.tourmalineoil.com/ and www.cleanenergyfuels.com
