NAFTC Photo

Belgian Company Powers Hybrid Transit Bus with UTC Fuel Cell
United Technologies Corporation unit UTC Power recently announced that Lier, Belgium-based vehicle manufacturer Van Hool is employing a UTC Power 120-kilowatt PureMotion fuel cell system in its A330hybrid electric fuel cell transit bus. According to UTC Power, the A330's use of both a PureMotion 120 fuel cell system and ISE Corporation's hybrid electric drive system enables the bus "to perform at twice the efficiency of a conventional diesel-powered bus." UTC Power noted that four fuel cell-powered A330s are scheduled to be in service in the North American market within one year. Contact: Valerie Bolden-Barrett, UTC, phone 860-727-7320, e-mail valerie.bolden.barrett@utcpower.com.

Canada Finalizes New Off-Road Diesel Sulfur Regulations
Canadian Environment Minister Stephane Dion and Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh announced earlier this week final regulations aimed at "significantly" reducing sulfur levels in diesel fuel used for rail, marine, and other off-road purposes such as construction, agricultural, and industrial equipment. "These regulations set stringent new Canadian standards aligned with U.S. requirements, and by promoting the competitiveness of Canada's refining industry, the approach is aligned under the Government of Canada's Project Green, the broad environmental vision that links Canada's economic competitiveness and prosperity to a sustainable future," said Dion. According to the Canadian government, the regulations introduce controls on sulfur in non-road diesel fuel from the current unregulated level to a 500 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) limit in 2007 and a 15 mg/kg limit starting in 2010. The government noted that the two-phase approach to reducing the sulfur limit as set out in the regulations is required to meet industry standards, with the 15 mg/kg limit in 2010 ensuring that the level of sulfur in diesel fuel reaches the standards for the effective operation of new-generation, low-emission diesel engines for off-road construction, mining, farming, and forestry equipment coming onto the market in model year 2011. Contact: Government of Canada, Web site: http://canada.gc.ca.

Columbia ParCar Sponsors Solar-Powered EV Charity Run
Columbia ParCar Corporation operated a solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) along Arizona's "The Spirit of Prescott" stage coach route this past weekend as part of a charity event benefiting the Phoenix Children's Hospital. According to Columbia ParCar, the 48-volt electric Scout and a 48-volt electric four-passenger Shuttle, each fitted with two 24-volt, 150-watt solar panels provided by Arizona Ranch & Resort Cars, made the non-stop, 100-mile trip using solar power as its sole source of recharging energy. "We've been making solar-paneled vehicles for three years," said Arizona Ranch & Resort Cars owner and operator Tom Lederle. "And, we've worked with the hospital a couple of times. It's a great organization to benefit from this test of our solar-powered panels and Columbia's electric vehicles." Contact: Scott Breckley, Columbia ParCar, phone: 608-524-8888 ext 6214, Web site: www.parcar.com.

European Commission Okays Dutch/French Biodiesel JV
Reuters reported last week that the European Commission (EC) has granted approval for a planned joint venture (JV) between French biodiesel and glycerin producer Diester Industrie International and The Netherlands' Koninklijke Bunge, a unit of leading oilseed producer Bunge Ltd. Under the JV, Reuters said the two organizations will combine their biodiesel assets, making the JV the largest biodiesel supplier in the EU. The news service noted that the JV will also offer glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel. According to Reuters, EC reviewed the proposed JV and approved the plans, maintaining that there will still be "sufficient credible alternative suppliers after the merger."

Cargill to Build New Biodiesel Plant in Germany
Cargill recently announced plans to build a new biodiesel plant at the Hoechst industrial park in Germany, near the company's Mainz oilseed crush facility. According to Cargill, construction of the new plant is scheduled to begin by the end of the year, with production slated for August 2006. The plant is expected to produce 200,000 metric tons of biodiesel annually. "The new facility will enable us to meet our customers' increasing demand for biofuels and will complement our existing oilseed crushing and refining operations in Germany's Rhine-Main region," said Cargill European Biodiesel and Biomass Operations Manager Jack van den Hoek. Contact: Cargill, Web site: www.cargill.com.

Guyana to Produce Ethanol with Support from Brazil
The Associated Press (AP) reported last week that Brazil has signed an agreement with Guyana to assist its South American neighbor's effort to produce ethanol from sugarcane. Under the agreement, AP said Brazil will provide Guyana with ethanol production technology, with the goal of producing the cleaner-burning alternative fuel beginning next year. The news service noted that Guyanese officials hope to lower the cost of the nation's gasoline by utilizing the sugarcane-based ethanol. AP said ethanol production will provide a new market for Guyanese sugarcane producers facing a 40-percent cut in European Union subsidies over the next three years.

Northern Ireland Hosts Commuter Alternatives Week
BBC News reported earlier this month that Northern Ireland's Department for Regional Development (DRD) recently conducted a weeklong public awareness campaign intended to encourage commuters to consider alternative transportation methods, such as car sharing, public transit, bicycling, walking, and park-and-ride schemes. According to BBC News, the campaign, which ran October 3 through 7, was organized by Travelwise NI, an office in DRD's Roads Service, with the goal of raising awareness of the alternatives to single-occupant vehicles. BBC News noted that Travelwise NI has implemented a similar public awareness campaign that encourages students, parents, and teachers to consider "sustainable transport options."

Mexican City Mandates Use of Biofriendly Fuel Catalyst
Biofriendly Corporation recently announced that the city of Guzman, Mexico in the State of Jalisco has mandated that all city vehicles and private buses and taxis use fuel treated with the company's Green Plus fuel catalyst. According to Biofriendly, the move is part of Guzman's participation in the state's new "Emission Zero" program. Guzman is the first Mexican city to implement the program. Biofriendly noted that Green Plus, a nanotechnology based product designed to reduce emissions and improve performance, was found to reduce diesel opacity by more than 56 percent in recent testing conducted for Jalisco. Contact: Jim D'Arezzo, Biofriendly, phone: 626-303-6000 ext 103, Web site: www.biofriendly.com.

Ontario Finalizes Renewable Fuels Standard
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) recently announced that the provincial government has finalized Ontario Regulation 535/05, which requires an average of at least five percent ethanol in all gasoline sold in Ontario beginning January 1, 2007, and is now ready to accept applications under the Ontario Ethanol Growth Fund (OEGF). "We are now ready to begin creating our future of clean air and greater prosperity by producing renewable fuels," said OMAFRA Minister Leona Dombrowsky. Through the 12-year, $520-million OEGF, the ministry said it is anticipated that when the Renewable Fuels Standard takes effect, Ontario ethanol plants will be producing as much as 750 million liters of the alternative fuel annually. OMAFRA noted that the fund provides capital assistance to help meet financial challenges, operating assistance to address changing market prices, support for independent retailers selling ethanol blends, and a research and development fund to pursue opportunities for research and innovation. Additional information about the OEGF and the application process are available on the OMAFRA Web site at www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/policy/oegf/index.html.Contact: Anne O'Hagan, OMAFRA, phone: 416-325-5809, Web site: www.omafra.gov.on.ca.

Petron Joins Philippine Fuel Ethanol Alliance
Philippine oil company Petron Corporation recently announced it has formally joined the Philippine Fuel Ethanol Alliance, becoming the first such company to become a full-fledged alliance member. Petron noted that the alliance is a partnership between the private and public sectors aimed at establishing a local bioethanol industry and promoting the use of ethanol as an alternative fuel. Members of the alliance include the Sugar Regulatory Administration, Philippine Sugar Millers Association, Sugar Master Plan Foundation, and Center for Alcohol Research and Development. "The alliance is an important catalyst in pursuing the government's energy independence agenda, which is a vital step towards sustainable development," said Petron Chairman Nicasio Alcantara. "We will definitely play an active role in the organization and we look forward to closely working with all its members." Contact: Petron, Web site: www.petron.com.

Nissan Unveils New Electric Vehicle Concept in Tokyo
Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., recently unveiled "Pivo," the automaker's new electric vehicle (EV) concept, in partnership with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami at the Nissan Ginza Gallery in downtown Tokyo. According to Nissan, the compact Pivo, which will be on display at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, is powered by the company's "high-performance" lithium-ion battery and its "Super Motor," resulting in zero emissions. Nissan noted that the three-seater EV also features a cabin that revolves 360 degrees, eliminating the need to reverse; an "Around View Monitor," which reduces blind spots by displaying the outside surroundings on screens mounted inside the car's A-pillars, located on either side of the windshield; and a dash-mounted infrared "commander," allowing the driver to operate the navigation and stereo systems without letting go of the steering wheel. Contact: Nissan, Web site: www.nissan-global.com/EN.

Westport Growth Recognized by Deloitte, Business in Vancouver
Westport Innovations, Inc., recently announced it has been named fourth to Deloitte's Canadian Technology Fast 50, the annual program that recognizes excellence, innovation, and the fastest-growing tech companies in Canada, while also receiving recognition from Business in Vancouver as the third fastest-growing of all companies in British Columbia. "We are honored to again this year be included in both the Technology Fast 50, and on Business in Vancouver's Fastest Growing BC Companies list," said Westport CEO David Demers. "We are committed to our vision of a better world through innovative technology, and we expect continued growth as people recognize the economic and environmental advantages of our transportation solutions." Contact: Heather Merry, Westport, phone: 604-718-2046, Web site: www.westport.com.

Articles released with permission from: EIN Publishing - Copyright © 2005 by EIN Publishing, Inc.
119 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314