The economy is stuck in neutral, but the natural gas transportation industry is moving full speed ahead by addressing two main problems inhibiting the industry.
More stations
In July, Chesapeake Energy
Three investment firms recently agreed to provide an additional $150 million of financial backing. In total, Clean Energy Fuels has obtained a $300 million purse over the last two months, which will bankroll a network of approximately 300 natural gas stations.
The additional 300 stations brings Clean Energy Fuel's total natural gas fueling station count to more than 500, making it the dominant natural gas station provider in the industry. The company now owns and operates nearly half the total number of natural gas stations in the U.S.
Cheaper engines
Historically, the incremental cost to convert a heavy-duty truck from diesel to natural gas was approximately $60,000 to $70,000. That vast expense has suppressed sales in the past, but the future could look much different.
Cummins
The bottom line
An expanding natural gas refueling infrastructure, coupled with the decreasing incremental cost to convert, could jump-start the natural gas vehicle industry. Investors should keep an eye on these stocks as this long-term-growth story continues to unfold.
- Add Westport Innovations to My Watchlist.
- Add Cummins to My Watchlist.
- Add Clean Energy Fuels to My Watchlist.
- Add Chesapeake Energy to My Watchlist.