The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has granted the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) a $11.5 million, three-year grant to administer the California Zero-Emission Solutions for Tomorrow (CAL-ZEST). The initiative is designed to expedite the development of next-generation, heavy-duty, zero-emission vehicles and equipment.
An EPRI press release reveals that the CAL-ZEST program will provide technical grants for pilot projects aimed at introducing innovative technologies into the commercial on- and off-road marketplace. Eligible projects for CAL-ZEST grants encompass zero-emission rail, marine and harbor craft, as well as agriculture equipment. As a third-party administrator of CAL-ZEST, EPRI will be responsible for overseeing grant compliance and promoting the program to industry and community stakeholders.
"Advancing development of emission-eliminating technologies in off-road sectors and bringing them to market is an important step of the clean energy transition," said David Porter, EPRI Vice President of Electrification and Sustainable Energy Strategy in the press release. "EPRI brings decades of extensive experience collaborating with key energy stakeholders to shape and drive technology advancements to make today better and tomorrow possible."
The press release further indicates that CAL-ZEST is part of CARB’s California Climate Investments. Since its inception in 2014, this initiative has invested over $9 billion in projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening economies, enhancing public health and improving environmental conditions. A special emphasis is placed on disadvantaged communities.
"CARB is excited to partner with EPRI to help administer our CAL-ZEST Projects," Dr. Steven Cliff, executive officer for CARB was quoted as saying in the press release. "This partnership will accelerate the development of innovative clean transportation technologies while providing health and economic benefits across the state."
As per the press release, EPRI operates as an independent non-profit energy research and development organization that has collaborated with more than 450 companies across 45 countries.
