The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved a number of grants for the alternative fuels sector and given the OK to a 2015-2016 investment plan update for the commission's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP).
In total, the CEC approved more than $83.7 million in grants and loans for 46 different energy-related projects.
For the alt-fuel sector specifically, it gave nearly $9 million to three awardees in Poway, the City of Industry and Milpitas to encourage the manufacturing of alternative fuel vehicles and vehicle components in California.
A $3.4 million grant was given to Viridis Fuels LLC to construct and operate a biodiesel production facility in Oakland. This facility will produce up to 20 million gallons of biodiesel annually from fats, oils and grease.
Additionally, the CEC approved $3.4 million for research and development activities to increase the operating efficiency and value of advanced ignition systems and fueling infrastructure for natural gas vehicles.
The ARFVTP develops and deploys innovative technologies that transform California's fuel and vehicle types to help attain the state's climate change goals. This annual investment plan update determines priorities and opportunities for the program, describes how funding will complement existing public and private efforts, and guides funding decisions.
