UPS recently opened a nearly 800,000-square-foot facility in Middletown that UGI Utilities is supplying with natural gas.
The facility is UPS’ largest natural gas fueling station and its fourth largest U.S. distribution hub.
UPS approached UGI in 2020 about supplying the facility’s natural gas needs. UGI began construction on an approximately two-mile long, eight-inch diameter pipeline later that year to connect to the facility.
The pipeline went into service in 2021. The use of natural gas helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the region’s transportation sector.
“Through best-in-class engineering, UPS is reimagining its network with innovation-driven investments to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050,” the company said in a statement. “The new renewable natural gas (RNG) fueling station will: remove 8 million gallons of diesel fuel per year; help UPS reach 40 percent alternative fuel in ground operations by 2025; and lower carbon footprint while still delivering for customers.”
Valley Forge-based UGI Utilities provides natural gas and electricity to 700,000 customers in 45 counties in Pennsylvania.
“We’re on a mission to improve our ground operations network, create local jobs and bring to life sustainable solutions,” Crystal Lassiter, UPS buildings and systems engineering vice president, said. “With a focus on getting things right, we’re able to expand our bottom line.”