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GFO-22-308 – Decarbonizing Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems in Large Buildings

Grantor:
CA Energy Commission
Departmental Grant ID:
GFO-22-308
Portal ID:
36230
Status:
Closed
Opportunity Type:
  • Grant
Last Updated:
Categories:

Details

Purpose:

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund applied research and development projects that develop decarbonization solutions for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in large commercial buildings with an emphasis on technology advancements, energy efficiency, replicability, and use of ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants.

Description:

Space heating needs in large buildings have historically been met using fossil fuels and combustion-based equipment to generate hydronic hot water. This equipment is generally inexpensive (boilers cost ~$12–$30 per thousand Btu per hour (MBH)), has high turndown or ability to operate efficiently when heating needs are low, and uses an available, reliable resource for fuel. However, combustion of fossil fuels emits criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil gas combustion in commercial buildings is primarily used for space heating, water heating, and cooking, producing nearly 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018.

As California transitions to electrifying space heating sys­tems, heat pumps and heat recovery chillers offer a viable option for traditional airside HVAC applications. However, heat pumps for large commercial buildings have challenges, such as higher first costs compared to fossil gas systems, lower operating efficiency at higher supply temperatures, and limitations operating at low ambient temperatures.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants:

  • Business
  • Individual
  • Nonprofit
  • Public Agency
  • Tribal Government

This solicitation is open to all public and private entities with the exception of local publicly-owned electric utilities. In accordance with CPUC Decision 12-05-037, funds administered by the CEC may not be used for any purposes associated with local publicly-owned electric utility activities.

 

Eligible Geographies:

No local publicly-owned electric utilities.

Matching Funding Requirement:

Match funding in the amount of 20 percent of the EPIC funds is required. 

Important Dates

The date (and time, where applicable) by which all applications must be submitted to the grantmaker. Time listed as “00:00” equates to midnight.
The date on which the grantor expects to announce the recipient(s) of the grant.
11/15/2023
The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized.
Until funds expire

Funding Details

The total projected dollar amount of the grant.
$20,000,000
A single grant opportunity may represent one or many awards. Some grantors may know in advance the exact number of awards to be given. Others may indicate a range. Some may wish to and wait until the application period closes before determining how many awards to offer; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.
Dependent
Grant opportunities representing multiple awards may offer awards in the same amount or in varied amounts. Some may wish to wait until the application period closes before determining per-award amounts; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.
Dependent
Certain grants require that the recipient(s) provide a letter of intent.
No
Certain grants require that the recipient(s) be able to fully or partially match the grant award amount with another funding source.
20%
The funding source allocated to fund the grant. It may be either State or Federal (or a combination of both), and be tied to a specific piece of legislation, a proposition, or a bond number.
  • State

Funding Source Notes:

EPIC Program

The manner in which the grant funding will be delivered to the awardee. Funding methods include reimbursements (where the recipient spends out-of-pocket and is reimbursed by the grantor) and advances (where the recipient spends received grant funds directly).
  • Reimbursement(s)

Funding Method Notes:

Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis (where the Recipient spends out-of-pocket and is reimbursed by the grantor).

How to Apply

State agencies/departments recommend you read the full grant guidelines before applying.

Resources

For questions about this grant, contact:
Eilene Cary, 1-916-776-0739, Eilene.Cary@energy.ca.gov

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