Canada’s Bernard James wins Natural
Gas Vehicle World Champion Award in Brazil
Former Government of Canada Chief of
Transportation Technology recognized for leadership and
innovation in alternative fuel vehicles
Canada’s Bernard James was one of four
recipients of the NGV World Champion Award at the biennial
International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles Conference
held recently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The awards recognize
leadership in alternative fuel public policy, technology
innovation, and the advancement of the global natural gas
vehicle industry. Mr. James held successive positions at Natural
Resources Canada, serving as the Chief of Transportation
Technology from 1992 to 1997. On behalf of the Government of
Canada, he led the early stage research that laid the groundwork
for many of Canada’s leading gaseous fuel transportation
technology companies.
Previous recipients of the NGV World Champion award include
former New York State Governor George Pataki and Egyptian
Minister for Petroleum, His Excellency Engineer Sameh Fahmi.
Governor Pataki initiated public policy measures in support of
alternative fuel vehicles. Minister Fahmi has implemented
strategies resulting in Egypt ranking within the world’s top 15
countries for natural gas vehicle use.
Mr. James’ contributions to the development of codes and
standards for natural gas vehicles were highlighted. He served
as Chair of the International Energy Agency Agreement on
Alternative Motor Fuels. He also chaired the International
Standards Organization Working Group for the development of high
pressure cylinders. This led to the development of the standard
that is used around the world today for compressed gas storage
on the world’s 8.5 million natural gas vehicles. The standard
also serves as an important reference for the ongoing
development of fuel storage standards for hydrogen vehicles.
"I am honoured by this recognition. I was fortunate to have
worked for Natural Resources Canada at a time when energy and
the environment were at the forefront of government activities.
We had programs to support the commercialization of natural gas
vehicles and research activities in support of a range of
alternative fuels. Unfortunately, with the shift in focus to
hydrogen and liquid biofuels, federal support for natural gas
vehicles ended. With natural gas at nearly half the price of
gasoline and diesel, perhaps it’s time to re-think this
position, particularly given the emissions benefits and the
ability of natural gas vehicles to operate on fully renewable
biomethane made from landfill gas and from other waste energy
sources."
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