USA: Apache Builds CNG Station in Houston

Apache Corporation announced today that the company will build a compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling station for the ecoparkfleet of buses that carry passengers to and from the city’s economy parking lots at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The station is expected to be ready for service in 60-90 days.

“At Apache, we are convinced that clean-burning natural gas must be a bigger part of the solution to America’s ever increasing reliance on imported crude oil, while reducing pollution caused by other, more carbon-intensive fuels used in transportation and power generation,” said G. Steven Farris, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Apache.

Mr. Farris noted that the new CNG station is a win-win solution. It provides for a better environment in Houston as natural gas burns cleaner than diesel or gasoline. It’s an abundant, domestic fuel source—with estimates of a 100-year supply. Developing domestic supplies also provides for local jobs that produce a more economic fuel. Filling up a tank with CNG is a fraction of the cost compared with gasoline or diesel

“CNG is a better way to move people and goods than our traditional petroleum fuels. In fact, at Apache we’re doubling down on our use of CNG. This year we’re going to double the size of our CNG-powered vehicle fleet and double the number of CNG stations we operate. To encourage further CNG use, we’re also implementing an incentive program to encourage our employees to acquire CNG vehicles,” he said.

At year-end 2010, Apache had seven CNG stations and 111 CNG-fueled vehicles among its fleet in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Apache also is planning to allow public access to its CNG stations at four facilities, which will be located in Houston, Lafayette, Midland and Tulsa.

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Source: Apache, April 1, 2011;