GFO-24-501 – Paving the Way for California’s Gas Transition

The California Energy Commission (CEC), through its Energy Research and Development Division, has released a funding opportunity under the Gas Research and Development Program titled "Paving the Way for California’s Gas Transition" (Solicitation Number GFO-24-501). This active solicitation was released on March 19, 2025, and is designed to support the state’s long-term goals to significantly reduce reliance on fossil gas, commonly referred to as natural gas. The initiative is grounded in statewide decarbonization efforts, with a strong focus on transitioning to cleaner energy systems. This grant opportunity aims to fund applied research projects that align with two key initiatives detailed in previous Gas Research and Development Budget Plans. The first is “Location-Specific Analysis of Decommissioning to Support Long-Term Gas Planning,” as laid out in the FY 2021-2022 budget plan. The second initiative is “Scaled-Up Gas Decommissioning Pilots and Integrated Planning Tools,” included in the FY 2022-2023 plan. These focus areas emphasize both the analytical groundwork and the practical implementation strategies required to begin reducing and eventually eliminating gas infrastructure and usage. The overarching purpose of this funding opportunity is to understand and support the prerequisites and potential impacts associated with transitioning away from fossil gas usage, especially in California’s residential and commercial sectors. Projects funded through this solicitation will explore system decommissioning, electrification of current gas end uses, and possibly the integration of lower-carbon alternatives or new technologies into the utility gas system. These efforts are part of a broader state energy transformation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Applications for this grant must be submitted through the Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS). Applicants are required to register for a user account to submit their proposals. Assistance is available through the provided User Registration Instructions and solicitation application guides. The final deadline to submit applications is May 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM. All questions must be submitted by April 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM. While the solicitation specifies broad research categories and overall goals, no further details are provided in the excerpt regarding specific eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, or allowable costs. There is also no direct contact person listed in the document for questions or clarifications. However, standard protocol through ECAMS likely includes support and contact access for applicants through the portal. This opportunity reflects California’s progressive stance on energy and climate and supports innovation and planning to ensure a smooth, equitable transition away from fossil gas. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full solicitation through the ECAMS portal for comprehensive instructions and requirements.