Giant Eagle Debuts CNG Fuel

SN STAFF

PITTSBURGH — Giant Eagle here on Thursday said it has opened its first two compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations at its Beechnut Drive retail support and distribution center.

"We are dedicated to doing business in the most sustainable manner possible across all of our business operations," said Giant Eagle Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Lucot, in a prepared statement. "This project delivers improved air quality for the region through emissions reductions, reduces dependence on traditional fuels, and serves as a regional catalyst for southwestern Pennsylvania in adopting and understanding alternative fuels and clean transportation technology."

The fuel can be used in the retailer's new, custom-equipped delivery trucks, as well as passenger vehicles at the area's first publicly accessible CNG fueling station.

CNG, which costs about one-third less than regular gas and diesel, reduces emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide, the retailer said. In addition to the environmental benefits, commercial CNG vehicles run 50% quieter than diesel trucks.

Giant Eagle said its 10 new CNG fleet vehicles will displace more than 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel during the fleet station's first year of operation alone.

"Until now, there have been no viable alternative fuel options for heavy-duty delivery trucks with the necessary level of power required to navigate the region's hilly and mountainous terrain," said Giant Eagle Vice President of Logistics Bill Parry, noting that the company worked closely with Volvo to design the vehicles.