The California Energy Commission will be holding a workshop next week that addresses a state grant program aimed at supporting research and development activities related to natural gas engines for Class 3 to Class 7 vehicles.
The workshop will be held live at the commission's offices in Sacramento, but interested parties can also participate via conference call or WebEx. The commission expects to mobilize $3 million in grants to at least three separate projects that ‘accelerate research and development of advanced natural gas engine concepts for application in light heavy-duty vehicles and medium heavy-duty vehicles operated in fleets throughout California.’
Both public entities and private companies are eligible for consideration. Their projects must reflect ‘promising technologies that advance the performance, fuel efficiency and competitiveness of natural gas engines, based on existing gasoline and diesel engines’ in the 6-liter to 8-liter range, covering gross vehicle weight ratings from 10,001 lbs. to 33,000 lbs.
‘Technologies include, but are not limited to, dual-fuel, bi-fuel, multi-port injection, enhanced exhaust gas recirculation, and new fuel injection technologies,’ the notice states. ‘Adaptation and optimization of advanced gasoline and diesel engine technologies to efficient natural gas use is encouraged.’
Applications are due Jan. 8, 2013, and the commission anticipates that it will announce proposed awardees in February. For details about the workshop, call (916) 654-4381 or click HERE.
