An international leader in developing technology to make clean burning, renewable second-generation biofuels was looking to team up with a leading provider of waste disposal and recycling services to recycle landfill gases into cost-effective compressed natural gases (CNG) and bring them to the energy and transportation markets. CNG is an eco-friendly alternative to Diesel Fuel, LPG and Gasoline . Made by compressing natural gas or landfill gases (methane) down to less than 1% of its volume, CNG fuel is safer than other fuels such as gasoline or diesel because it is non-toxic and does not contaminate ground water. The use of CNG is extremely good for the environment as it is one of the cleanest burning fuels available. The use of CNG reduces carbon monoxide emissions 90 to 97 percent.
PLG’s team of experts was engaged to help the client review and determine the most cost-effective path forward to safely transport CNG to market. The client’s end goals of the engagement were to understand and analyze private fleet versus common carrier transport options. In addition, they were seeking PLG experts to determine the optimal equipment configuration as well as fleet size and transit times to reduce dwell times and maximize overall throughput.
Services Provided
- Analyzed and outlined fleet options including the pros and cons associated with private fleets versus common carrier transport options
- Clarified key operational requirements and regulatory constraints
- Developed operational models for transit and dwell times
- Developed high-level cost models for annual overhead and operational items
Results
- Provided real-time information and options to safely and cost-effectively develop the CNG delivery network
- Created models and proactively provided suggestions to minimize capital costs while reducing potential product losses due to equipment not able to stay on schedule, resulting in subsequent waste due to having to flare the gas
- CNG transport trailers have very high capital costs, extensive and expensive inspections and limited service life. PLG Consulting provided specific recommendations to cost-effectively determine purchase specifications to operate and maintain trailers.
- Delivered a high-level roadmap to follow to ensure regulatory compliance in a very complex, highly monitored industry
