Kwik Trip Opens Wisconsin LNG/CNG Fueling Station

LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Kwik Trip Inc. has opened an Alternatives Fuels Station at its corporate headquarters here, according to various reports. The station, scheduled to officially open on May 10, will include one 15,000-gallon liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank, two LNG fuel dispensers and three dual-hose compressed natural gas (CNG) dispensers.

Designed by GP Strategies Corp., the fuel station will serve Kwik Trip's LNG- and CNG-powered vehicles and private fleets. In addition, members of the public who own alternative fuel-powered vehicles can also fill up at the fuel station, once opened.

Prior to this project, the La Crosse, Wis., area did not have LNG or CNG fueling availability, according to GP Strategies.

LNG and CNG have received much more attention in 2012 due to rising oil prices. Natural gas has been touted as a promising alternative to gas because it is abundant (more than a 100-year supply available now), locally produced, less expensive and cheaper than traditional petroleum.

It is likely Kwik Trip will offer more LNG and CNG fueling stations in the future. Earlier this year, Kwik Trip President and CEO Donald Zietlow told an industry gathering that the 385-store chain is looking at natural gas, both compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as potential alternative fuels for both growth and staying power.

In addition, the convenience store and truck stop chain recently commissioned a survey in Minnesota on SurveyMonkey where it asked fleet purchasing managers about their interest in alternative fuels.

As an introduction to the 10-question survey, Kwik Trip stated: "As average diesel prices continue to climb higher, Kwik Trip plans to offer alternatives in order to continue serving our customers and communities in the most effective way possible. This survey will place a special emphasis on liquid natural gas and compressed natural gas options, since currently, these are the most economical and proven alternatives.

"Since we will be offering natural gas at some of our truck stop and city locations in the future, it is important that we raise awareness about this fuel as well as any alternatives that our customers request," it continued.