Energy Commission Announces Off-Road Natural Gas Vehicle Funding Opportunity

The California Energy Commission released a $4 million grant funding solicitation for the research and development of natural gas engines for medium- and heavy-duty off-road vehicles (ORVs) that support the agricultural, construction, industrial, port and cargo sectors.



The solicitation, released July 11, aims to reduce transportation emissions in California’s most severely polluted regions – the San Joaquin Valley and the South Coast Air Basin – and encourages demonstrations in those areas. It covers ORVs used for heavy hauling such as waste transport, mining and semi-tractor trailer applications. Also included are items such as yard tractors and cranes found at ports and cargo handling areas.

The Energy Commission has supported the research and development of advanced natural gas engine technologies, especially for on-road, heavy-duty vehicles, which are the largest source of nitrogen oxide emissions in the San Joaquin Valley and the South Coast Air Basin. The solicitation targets ORVs, which are the second largest source of these emissions.

Pre-application workshops will held Tuesday, July 26 in Diamond Bar and Friday, July 29 in Modesto. The workshops will provide an overview of the funding opportunity and allow attendees to ask questions and network with other interested applicants. Workshop details are on the Energy Commission’s website.

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.