Natural gas continues to be a focus of truck operators as more than 200 Wisconsin Kenworth customers recently gathered to learn more about new available equipment and the future of natural gas in the industry. The Wisconsin Kenworth NatGas Summit, held recently at the Glacier Canyon Conference Center, featured four sessions that covered topics such as the state and federally-funded Clean Cities programs to help fleets adopt new technology using alternative and renewable fuels. The sessions covered compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas engine technology and fueling infrastructure. The sessions also gave customers opportunities to inspect two CNG-powered Kenworth T440s.
Andy Douglas, national sales manager for Kenworth Truck Co., led the summit with a keynote address on the different considerations and spec’ing choices fleets and truck operators must make before adopting natural gas as an alternative fuel. Douglas also provided information about the growth of natural gas fueling stations along well-traveled transportation routes in the United States and Canada.
Bill Boyce, east regional manager for Cummins, provided details on Cummins Westport and its ISL G natural gas-powered engine, including gearing guidelines, warranty and extended coverage. Kelly Mills, western territory sales manager for Westport Fuel Systems Inc., talked about the Westport HD 15-liter engine, including safety and warranty information, and the value proposition for LNG-powered trucks.
During the breakout sessions, truck operators learned more about an alternative fuel program adopted by La Crosse, Wis.-based Kwik Trip from Chad Hollett, Kwik Trip’s director of transportation and distribution, and Ruanna Hayes, director of alternative fuels for the convenience store operator.
Bryan Nudelbacher, business analyst with Appleton, Wis.-based U.S. Oil, provided information about CNG programs within the wholesale fuel distributor’s operation and the future of CNG infrastructure.
Lorrie Lisek, executive director of Wisconsin Clean Cities – Southeast Area, gave a presentation on various programs and projects that the Wisconsin Clean Cities coalition is funding throughout Wisconsin.
