The California Energy Commission has issued a grant solicitation that focuses specifically on building out the state's hydrogen refueling infrastructure for transportation applications.
As a part of the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology (ARFVT) program, up to $28.59 million could be awarded. The grant funds will support projects that “expand the network of publicly accessible hydrogen fueling stations to serve the current population of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and to accommodate the planned large-scale rollout of FCVs commencing in 2015,” the commission states.
Eligible applicants can come from a wide body of organizations, including public agencies, businesses, public-private partnerships, fleet owners, academic institutions, and vehicle and technology entities.
Projects are eligible for up to 65% of the total project cost or $1.5 million, whichever is less. A single applicant is eligible for no more than 40% of the total funds awarded under the solicitation.
Also, of the funding available, up to $3 million is designated for stations that will dispense 100% renewable hydrogen fuel (where hydrogen is generated from renewable sources, either on-site or off-site). Project funded under this set-aside are eligible for up to 65% of the total project cost or $3 million, whichever is less.
A pre-application workshop is planned for Dec. 7 at 10:00 a.m. in Sacramento. The application due date is Jan. 17, 2013.
