Nova Scotia Gives Trucking Of Natural Gas The Green Light

HALIFAX, NS — On July 11, the Nova Scotia government approved trucking of compressed natural gas (CNG) on provincial roadways. It means that large energy users like hospitals and universities that do not have pipeline access to natural gas can now have it delivered to their door by truck.

The province said that all rules and regulations that apply to the transportation of dangerous materials, like propane, will also apply to the transportation of CNG.

Already, several big industrial energy users in Nova Scotia showed their interest in receiving CNG by truck. Among potential customers are Michelin North America, which has three tire plants in the province, Minas Basin Pulp & Power Co. Ltd, and paper plate-maker CKF Inc.

According to the Chronicle Herald, the decision to allow CNG to be delivered by truck can reduce energy bills by as much as 35 to 50 percent.

“Trucking compressed natural gas in a competitive marketplace could save our industrial sector tens of millions of dollars a year in energy costs,” Energy Minister Charlie Parker told the Herald.

J.D. Irving. Ltd spokesperson Mary Keith explained that having CNG delivered by truck to companies can not only save money, it can also help reduce their environmental footprint. She also said that Irving trucks already deliver CNG between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

“We know first-hand the tremendous reduction in both greenhouse gases and costs that can be achieved with (compressed natural gas),” she said, adding that carbon dioxide emissions at Cavendish Farms on P.E.I. were reduced by 28 percent.

Irving Oil also supported the decision to make CNG available by truck to commercial customers in Nova Scotia, saying that a competitive market will drive down costs.

Darren Gillis, general manager of Irving Energy, said they are planning to invest in a compression facility, as well as new trucks. Although, Gillis added, it will probably be 18 months before trucks are seen carrying CNG on Nova Scotia¹s roads.

Check out the Chronicle Herald’s full story here.


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