CleanFUEL USA partners with Ferrellgas to expand propane vehicle refueling stations nationwide

CleanFUEL USA, a leader in alternative fuel dispensing equipment and engine technology, announced work with one of the largest distributors of propane,  Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., to increase the availability of propane engine fuel at retail refueling stations across the U.S.  Part of the Clean Start initiative, the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded CleanFUEL USA $12.9 million to construct the nation’s first and largest propane refueling network.  Ferrellgas will support the station rollouts in 11 cities as the designated fuel partner.

Dallas-Fort Worth is the first metro area CleanFUEL USA and Ferrellgas are jointly targeting to develop 8-10 state-of-the-art propane refueling stations.  The companies expect to break ground on the first Dallas-Fort Worth station in the third quarter of 2010, which will be followed with projects in Austin, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Indianapolis, Lake Charles, New Orleans, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio and St. Louis.  Ferrellgas plays an essential role in the selected cities in helping to identify locations, submit permits, construct sites, train employees, provide fuel and maintain the systems ongoing.

“The DFW metroplex is the fourth largest metro area in the country with many school districts, municipal entities and private businesses operating fleet vehicles with propane,” said Tony Dale, Ferrellgas national director of engine fuels/Autogas.  “Retail accessibility of liquid propane fuel has historically been a challenge, but this project with CleanFUEL USA is an opportunity for the industry to establish propane as a cleaner-burning and more economical transportation fuel on a national scale.” 

Most commonly used for home heating, propane is gaining traction with fleets because of its inherent environmental qualities and cost-efficiencies compared to other petroleum-based fuels.  It yields 87 percent less hydrocarbons and 50 percent fewer toxins than gasoline, and costs approximately 40-50 percent less per gallon than gasoline and diesel. With propane engine advancements, such as CleanFUEL USA’s liquid propane injection system built for GM platforms using Icom’s JTG technology (manufactured by Icom North America), fleets have attractive vehicle options that provide the best mix of driving range, durability and performance of any alternative fuel vehicle today. 

“The DOE awarded over $300 million to support alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles and infrastructure projects, including Clean Start.  These projects will transform the national’s vehicle fleets, support job creation, improve the environment, and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil,” said Pamela Burns, Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Co-Coordinator.  “As a Clean Start project partner, we’re excited to work with CleanFUEL USA and Ferrellgas in their efforts in reaching this goal by expanding the use of propane engine fuel.”