Compressed Natural Gas bus trial will benefit the environment: Minister

25/10/00
Future developments in fuel technology using compressed natural gas, or CNG, will be trialled in Perth under an innovative program announced by Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes today.
Under the program, three Mercedes-Benz gas engines will be fitted with multi-point fuel injection systems developed by Perth-based company Advanced Engine Components (AEC).
Following testing in Perth, the three engines will be sent to Germany to be tested to 'Euro 3' emission standards by an independent international authority.
If successful, they will return to Australia and be fitted to buses in Transperth's fleet for 'field' testing alongside two of Mercedes-Benz 'conventional' gas engines as well as the diesel engines currently entering the fleet under Transperth's fleet replacement program.
Mrs Edwardes said the $5 million project would be funded jointly by the State and Federal Government, and welcomed Federal Environment Minister Robert Hill's commitment to provide $2.5 million to the program.
"The Federal Government's contribution under its Alternative Fuel Scheme is very much appreciated, as it will allow CNG to be examined closely, particularly in terms of emissions when compared to diesel," she said.
"Should this trial prove successful, an additional 20 CNG buses will be fitted with the AEC technology, with further potential to increase the size of the CNG-powered bus fleet.
"It's important from an environmental point of view that all possible alternatives to fuel the State's public transport are examined objectively, to help ensure the long-term quality of the air we breathe.
"For example, Transperth have been using diesel fuel with a sulphur content of 500 parts per million in its bus fleet since March 1999, and is planning to move to 50 parts per million in the near future. The national standard is 5,000 parts per million."

Media contact: Steve Manchee on 9421 7777