Natural Gas Vehicle Technology Research & Development to Receive a Boost

Washington, DC – Natural Gas Vehicles for America (NGVAmerica) today celebrated the announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) seeking proposals for novel research and development (R&D) of medium- and heavy-duty natural gas vehicle (NGV) technologies.  NREL intends to award up to $11 million in FFY 2017 funding secured by NGVAmerica and partners for projects that advance the state of current technology for natural gas vehicles.

“This funding can support multiple projects intended to lower the cost premium of getting NGVs on the road as well as improve natural gas engine efficiency and effectiveness,” said NGVAmerica President Dan Gage.  “Improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gases require getting more NGVs on our roads.”

The request for proposal (RFP) was issued September 20^th in coordination with partners at the California Energy Commission, South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office.

Research will focus on: (1) reducing the cost premium of NGVs, (2) improving vehicle efficiency while maintaining low emissions, and (3) advancing new innovative medium- and heavy-duty natural gas engine designs.  This RFP includes input and lessons-learned from the partners’ broad experiences in natural gas vehicle technologies.

In addition to championing funding, NGVAmerica participated in stakeholder meetings to identify funding priorities.  Funding is expected to range from $1 million – $4 million per award for a total of 2–5 awards.

“It is important that our industry continues to strive to achieve even greater advancements in natural gas technology,” added Gage. “We are pleased that this funding and DOE support will help lead the way.”

As part of the application announcement, the Department of Energy endorsed the expansion of natural gas use in transportation:

“The relatively low and stable price of natural gas provides medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets with an option for consistently lower transportation costs.  The transportation sector can benefit economically from using low-cost natural gas as an alternative to other energy sources for transporting goods.  The shift to natural gas, in particular with regard to fleets operating medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, could result in increased profitability, improved supply chain performance, and reduced consumer costs for goods.

“Expanding the use of NG can have an impact on overall economic stability of the US, as well as help to improve consumer choice and reduce local, regional and global air pollution.”

The RFP can be accessed at: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOE/NREL/NR/RHQ-8-82305/listing.html.  Application deadline is November 5, 2018.

###

NGVAmerica is a national organization of over 200 companies, environmental groups, and government organizations dedicated to the development of a growing, profitable, and sustainable market for vehicles powered by natural gas or biomethane.  NGVAmerica member companies produce, distribute, and market natural gas and biomethane across North America, manufacture and service natural gas vehicles, engines, and equipment, and operate fleets powered by clean-burning gaseous fuels.  Find out more at: www.ngvamerica.org.