Gov. Corbett Monday awarded nearly $2 million in Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants to four successful applicants for their innovative alternative fuel technology projects.

“I am particularly pleased to be awarding GE Transportation $1 million to demonstrate their natural gas dual fuel technology,” Corbett said. “Such innovation is key in finding even more benefit from Pennsylvania’s abundant shale formations.”

“In addition, three other innovation projects represent great opportunities to diversify our fuel portfolio, as well as maximize energy efficiencies for electric vehicle deployment,” Corbett said.

In addition to GE’s demonstrating of a dual fuel locomotive, the innovative projects include upgrading technology for recharging electric vehicles and hydrogen fueling stations, and design and testing of natural gas retrofit kits for gasoline direct injection engines.

Those eligible to apply for the 2013 AFIG round, which ran May 25 through July 26, included non-profit agencies, for profit companies, commonwealth or municipal authorities, and local transportation organizations.

Applications were accepted for innovation in alternative fuel transportation, including non-road vehicles, such as natural gas-powered trains or marine vessels.

AFIG grants were also awarded on November 7 to 33 businesses, counties and organizations converting or purchasing 351 natural gas vehicles and 337 propane vehicles. An estimated 15 new fueling stations and 30 existing stations will be supported by these vehicles.

AFIG grants are an annual solicitation, providing financial incentive for a variety of transportation projects with the result of reducing air emissions in Pennsylvania. DEP will announce the focus of the next round, expected to open in spring 2014.

A list of grants awarded is available online.

For more information, visit DEP’s Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program webpage.

12/23/2013