Sacramento, Calif. – The California Energy Commission has extended the application deadline for a $4 million grant funding solicitation for the research and development of natural gas engines for medium and heavy-duty off-road vehicles (ORVs) supporting the agricultural, construction, industrial, port and cargo market sectors. Applications are now due on Monday, Dec.19. Details are available on the Energy Commission’s website. The solicitation aims to greatly reduce transportation emissions in California’s most severely polluted regions – the San Joaquin Valley and the South Coast air basins. ORVs are the second largest source of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in those areas. On-road heavy-duty vehicles are the largest. The funding opportunity, which encourages demonstrations in those two locations, covers ORVs commonly employed for heavy hauling like those used for waste transport, mining and semi-tractor trailer applications and for items like yard tractors and cranes found at ports and cargo handling areas. The Energy Commission has previously supported the research and development of advanced natural gas engine technologies but primarily targeted on-road, heavy-duty vehicles. A recording of a Nov. 4 pre-application workshop is available for review. There is also a LinkedIn page to connect participants with other interested parties for this solicitation. The Energy Commission is committed to increasing diversity in the energy sector and encourages women, minority, disabled veteran and LGBT businesses to engage in and benefit from its many programs.
The California Energy Commission has allowed more time for applications for a $4m grant funding solicitation, designed to encourage the research and development of natural gas engines, specifically those for medium-duty and heavy-duty off-road vehicles. Applications can now be made until Nov. 4. The solicitation has been made to reduce transportation emissions in the polluted regions of California, namely the San Joaquin Valley and the South Coast air basins. Off-road vehicles are a significant source of nitrogen dioxide, particularly heavy duty ones.