The filling equipment for compressed natural gas looks like an ordinary gas station pump. The building behind holds the compressors needed to compress the gas within the vehicle.


KENT SIEVERS/the world-herald

Published Wednesday February 2, 2011

By Robynn Tysver
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
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Can e-cigarettes be a healthy alternative to smoking? We report... A new kind of gas station is coming to Omaha.

Plans to build two compressed natural gas stations in Omaha got a boost recently in the form of a $2.2 million loan from the Nebraska Energy Office.

The stations should open June 1 and will serve as a pilot project for the state to see whether demand for the clean-burning fuel might grow when customers can rely upon a retailer, said Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman.

“If this is helpful in reducing our dependence on foreign oil and becoming more energy independent, I think it’s a good idea,” said Heineman.

The stations are a part of a shared project put together by Metropolitan Utilities District and Happy Cab Co.

The two plan to field fleets of vehicles that rely solely on compressed natural gas.

Compressed natural gas is viewed by some as a cleaner alternative to current fossil fuels. It costs about half the price of regular, oil-based gasoline and — when burned as fuel — emits less carbon dioxide.

One problem, however, is that few consumers own vehicles that can use the gas, in part because there are few places to fill up.

The hope behind the two new natural gas fueling stations is that more people will purchase compatible vehicles.

The only factory-made passenger car currently built to run on compressed natural gas is the Honda Civic GX, which costs about $6,000 more than a gasoline-powered version. Only about five people in Omaha are believed to own them, said Doug Clark, president of Metropolitan Utilities District.

But the district plans to purchase about 84 new compressed natural gas vehicles over the next year, including vans and heavy-duty trucks.

A good share of the money being used to fund the project comes from federal stimulus program dollars. The state loan awarded to the project came from the federal funds.

In addition, MUD expects to receive a federal grant of up to an additional $1.1 million, also from stimulus funds, said Clark. That money will buy vehicles.

Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said he believes compressed natural gas is another alternative fuel that can help the U.S. become more energy independent, and “it’s good to see federal stimulus dollars creating Nebraska jobs and economic development for our future.”

The new filling stations will be at 63rd and Center Streets and 54th and L Streets. They will be owned and operated by Mark Mitchell, owner of Happy Cab.

Buck