The California Energy Commission has opened up a new competitive grant solicitation for compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) refueling infrastructure development.
At least $2.59 million will be made available through this initiative, but the commission has discretion to award funds totaling up to $5 million. Projects must be located in California and reflect at least one of the following:
- publicly accessible retail CNG, LNG, or both CNG/LNG fueling stations that support local and regional goods movement, fleet operations or light-duty vehicle use.
- new fueling infrastructure or upgrades to existing infrastructure that supports an existing natural gas vehicle (NGV) fleet used for local and regional goods movement or other fleet operations.
- new fueling infrastructure or upgrades to existing infrastructure for California public and private school fleets.
Award amounts for CNG stations will be 50% of the total project cost (60% if using renewable CNG), up to $300,000, and a minimum cost-match of 50% (40% if renewable) is required. For LNG and combined CNG/LNG refueling sites, award amounts are capped at 40% (50% if renewable), up to $600,000, with a minimum cost-match of 60% (50% if renewable). The maximum award amount for a station intended for a school fleet is $300,000, with no match requirement.
The commission says there will be a pre-application workshop on Dec. 14 at the California Energy Commission offices in Sacramento. Interested parties can also participate via conference call ((866) 469-3239, pass code 922 312 251) and WebEx.
Applications are due Jan. 24, 2013.
