Consol Declares 'Declaration of Energy Independence'
CANONSBURG, Pa. -- Consol Energy Inc. today hosted a "Declaration of Energy Independence" celebration, during which company leaders, along with representatives from Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities and General Motors, unveiled an electric vehicle charging station at the company's headquarters here.
The Eaton Level II EV charging station, purchased from Shaedler-Yesco Distribution, is one of 45 units that will be installed in the greater-Pittsburgh area as part of the "Energy 376 Corridor," a project designed to create one of the most extensive charging station networks in the United States.
The project was made possible by a private investor and a grant from Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities to the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These grants are designated for the development of electric vehicle infrastructure in the state.
"The Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities Coalition has presently installed over 35 Level II electric vehicle charging stations including the one at Consol Energy's headquarters," said Rick Price, executive director of the coalition. "Clean Cities sees the EV/PHEV/Hybrid market as a viable way to reduce the amount of petroleum based fuels we use and help the nation become energy independent."
The charging station is the first alternative fueling station in Southpointe, a suburban business park located south of Pittsburgh that is home to many natural gas producers and other service companies related to the energy industry. The station will be available for use at any time by all Consol Energy employees.
"The installation of the EV charging station underscores the important role that our region's abundant natural resources -- both the recently found unconventional natural gas potential and our vast supplies of coal -- play in supporting American energy security and independence," said Consol’s Steve Winberg, vice president of research and development. "Alternative fuel vehicles, including both electric and natural gas vehicles, showcase the innovative spirit and commitment that built this country and sustains our high standard of living. We believe the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities project will be a first step to encourage these emerging technologies on a much broader scale.”
As the electric vehicle infrastructure improves, “Consol will continue to adapt alternative fuel vehicles across all of our operations,” Winberg added.
Consol Energy has also purchased a Chevrolet Volt, he noted. The car includes an electric source and a battery, which allows drivers to drive without gas for an EPA-estimated 38 miles and a gas generator producing electricity so drivers can go up to of 380 miles on a full tank of gas.
In 2012, Consol converted two Ford F-150 trucks to enable them to operate using compressed natural gas (CNG). Both are capable of being operated on either gasoline or CNG. In addition to the conversion of the two trucks, CONSOL Energy also modified its BR-2 Compressor station on the Buchanon County-Tazewell, Va., line to enable the trucks to be fueled with CNG at that compressor station.
SOURCE: Consol Energy
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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