COLUMBUS, Ind. — Diesel will continue to be a key player in the future even as competition grows from alternative fuels and policy makers plan new environmental regulations.
That was the message at a virtual event where representatives from Cummins Inc. and other industry leaders, including John Deere and Neste, discussed some of the forces they believe will shape the future of the diesel industry, including the development of new technology, regulatory changes and shifting customer demands.
The event was held online Tuesday by the Diesel Technology Forum, which describes itself on its website as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology.
Cummins, based in Columbus, is developing new technologies that complement its internal combustion engines and is seeing increased interest from customers who have their own sustainability goals and want to achieve zero emissions, said Wayne Eckerle, vice president of research at Cummins, who participated in the event.
“That path to zero (emissions) will involve a mix of energy conversion technologies that will use diverse carbon neutral and renewable energy sources that we could be using in our internal combustion engines,” Eckerle said. “…Diesel engines, (internal combustion) engines in general, will continue to play a very important role in the path to zero emissions.”
Cummins is investing in “technologies that have less impact on the planet” as part of its New Power business segment, which includes electrified power and hydrogen technology, the company said.
Last year, Cummins announced it would locate the new headquarters of its new Electrified Power business segment at Columbus Engine Plant, also known as Plant One, at 500 Central Ave.
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.
