The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has wrapped up development of its JOBS NG tool, a means through which state and local governments can examine the economic implications of compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling station development.
‘Our model estimates the jobs created and economic output at every stage in the process, beginning with station design and construction, and continuing through the operation and maintenance of the station and the sale of natural gas fuel,’ says Marianne Mintz, an Argonne systems analyst who built the tool.
In addition to the economic impact of the station development itself, the tool also accounts for the manufacturing of the CNG equipment that is installed on site. It assesses the entire equipment supply chain, from raw materials to fabrication.
‘The model also accounts for ripple effects as new job holders purchase goods and services elsewhere in the economy,’ Mintz adds.
Argonne notes that users can customize JOBS NG by state or census region in order to assess CNG stations according to unique characteristics.
To access more information about JOBS NG and download the tool, click here.
