Case Study

FASTECH Upgrades Clean Energy Fuels’ CNG Station Near LAX

Los Angeles, California: FASTECH replaced five CNG dispensers at a critical airport-adjacent site while keeping the site open during construction.
Coordinated with LAX and the FAA: Close proximity to LAX’s main runway required coordination with the FAA and the airport’s air traffic control tower to use a large crane for equipment removal.
Implemented Alternative Construction Methods: Constructing the new compressor pad and installing underground piping required creative solutions to avoid impacting station operations.
Worked Around Space Constraints: A minimal laydown area was available to FASTECH crews since the station had to remain open and accessible during construction.

Why FASTECH

FASTECH has completed other projects for Clean Energy Fuels at the same location, including reconstruction of the attached hydrogen refueling station. The site was a complex combination of old and new systems, and Clean Energy Fuels relied on FASTECH to ensure the systems would be fully integrated after the upgrade.

FASTECH has worked with Clean Energy Fuels to construct and upgrade dozens of CNG and LNG stations in California, Washington, Arizona, and Kansas.

The Project

Clean Energy Fuels needed to upgrade its existing station near LAX by replacing an old CNG dryer and compressor. The project involved replacing five CNG dispensers and a general cosmetic upgrade of the site while maintaining station operations.

This station is one of Clean Energy Fuels' most critical sites near the airport, serving public customers and fleets of buses, taxis, garbage trucks, and concrete trucks.

During trenching for new underground piping and excavation operations for the new compressor pad, FASTECH encountered and dealt with many unknown subsurface obstacles.

The Process

FASTECH proposed alternative methods of constructing the new concrete compressor pad and installing underground piping to avoid additional impacts to the operating station.

FASTECH used an oversized crane to reach into the existing equipment compound, remove the old CNG compressor and dryer, and install the new equipment. This required careful coordination with the FAA and air traffic control tower due to LAX’s main runway proximity.

How Long Did the Project Take?

FASTECH mobilized to the site in late July of 2021 and completed the project in October of 2021.

The Results

The project successfully replaced all five fast-fill dispensers in phases. FASTECH finished with the commissioning of the new CNG equipment on schedule and with minimal site shutdowns.

FASTECH restored the site to like-new condition. The new compressor has increased capacity significantly, serving more customers and reducing filling times for vehicles at the dispensers.

In addition, FASTECH:

Replaced a CNG compressor as well as a natural gas dryer and associated control panels.
Completed all trenching, excavation, and construction of new concrete pads to support the new equipment.
Replaced five fast-fill CNG dispensers and completed general cosmetic improvements for the site, including painting, new lighting, and cleaning the existing canopy.

FASTECH: Your Alternative Energy Solutions Partner

Whether you’re already committed to selling alternative fuel or planning to transition in the future, choosing the right EPC partner for your hydrogen, CNG, or LNG fueling station is a significant business decision.

At FASTECH, we have over two decades of experience in the energy industry. We specialize in end-to-end solutions, from engineering and construction to ongoing maintenance and testing for many types of alternative fuel, including hydrogen, CNG, LNG, and propane. To date, we’ve built more hydrogen stations in California than anyone else.

To start designing your renewable energy infrastructure project, contact us today.

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