ROUSH CleanTech’s Propane Technology Performs for Alaska

LIVONIA, MICH. (August 23, 2011) — Tomorrow’s Alaska Propane Technical Summit will host 30 government officials, operational experts representing North Slope companies, and other potential stakeholders to discuss how ROUSH CleanTech’s propane autogas technology can promote job growth and environmental sustainability in Alaska, while turning an underutilized native natural resource into an economic gain.

The summit follows a nine-month demonstration of two ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas Ford F-250 pickup trucks, coordinated by the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority (ANGDA), to give Alaskan private and public fleets a comprehensive look into how this readily available alternative fuel performs in sub-zero temperatures.

“We actually re-inject millions of gallons of propane back into the North Slope every day,” said Harold Heinze, CEO of Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority (ANGDA). “We need to find good local uses for the vast quantities of propane our state produces, and propane autogas has the potential to accomplish this and so much more. ROUSH CleanTech has the on-road technology to employ propane autogas for all the construction vehicles used in this part of the state, turning a current liability into economic stability. Oil companies are among the heavy weights considering propane autogas as an option to power their fleet over diesel.”

The state of Alaska has been using one of the propane autogas trucks, and many private and public fleets in Alaska have been driving the second truck, including CH2M Hill, the State of Alaska fleet services, CONAM Construction, the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and the City of Anchorage. The National Park Service in Denali National Park and Matanusaka Electric Association also plan to demo the vehicle. The ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas trucks weathered conditions up to 55 degrees below zero.

“These trucks are performance workhorses, even in the harshest Alaska weather conditions,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of ROUSH CleanTech and a featured presenter at the meeting. “Propane autogas is the perfect ‘zero compromise’ alternative fuel solution for fleets looking for a fuel that’s readily available, environmentally friendly and economical — without sacrificing horsepower and performance. Propane autogas could become an export product and job creation source in Alaska.”

Alaska state fleets typically operate on ultra low sulfur diesel, which is hauled in by ice road trucks. This process is not only dangerous, but expensive. Propane autogas costs up to 40 percent less than conventional fuels, and federal and state tax incentives, like a 50-cent per gallon federal tax credit, make propane autogas even more cost-effective. “This is an easy choice,” says Mouw. “Ultra low sulfur diesel costs $5 per gallon or more to truck up to the slope. These fleets can save well over $4 per gallon by switching to an Alaskan resource that is produced right on the slope.”

A representative for AmeriGas, which has been providing the fuel for the propane autogas demo trucks, agrees. “Propane autogas is such a valuable alternative to diesel in Alaska, and we are focused on the opportunity to see additional propane usage, especially with fleet vehicles," said Randy Bradford, Alaska's AmeriGas market manager.

Additionally, propane autogas burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, up to 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and fewer particulate emissions when compared to gasoline. Non-toxic propane does not harm soil or groundwater. About 90 percent of US propane supplies are produced domestically, and there are over 4 million gallons of propane that surface from the North Slope in Alaska every day.

“With the proper commercial arrangement with producers, the private sector could start delivering propane today as an attractive, cleaner alternative to diesel,” said Mary Ann Pease, owner of MAP Consulting and the Alaskan representative for the Pacific Propane Gas Association. “ROUSH CleanTech has proven, readily available technology to fuel right now with propane autogas. Propane autogas really has endless possibilities here with incorporation in state fleets, airport applications and state parks like Denali; it’s a smart step toward preserving the breathtaking Alaskan environment.”

About ROUSH CleanTech: Based in Michigan, ROUSH CleanTech offers dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel systems for a variety of light- and medium-duty Ford vehicles, including the F-150, F-250 and F-350 pickup truck series; the F-450 and F-550 chassis cab truck series; the E-150, E-250 and E-350 van and wagon series; the E-350 and E-450 cutaway van series; and the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision.

Currently offered through authorized Ford dealerships around the country, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system delivers the same factory Ford performance characteristics and serviceability with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. Customers can reduce operating costs significantly while reducing vehicle emissions. Complete details on ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas offerings can be found online at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.