The document for Grant Funding Opportunity GFO-23-313 titled "Deployment of Decarbonization Technologies and Strategies for California Industrial Facilities" provides details on a funding program under the INDIGO Program from the California Energy Commission (CEC). This program supports projects to decarbonize industrial facilities by promoting cutting-edge, emerging technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving grid reliability, and benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Here are key points from the program:
Funding Scope: Up to $5.5 million is available for grants, with a minimum award of approximately $2.75 million and a maximum of $5.5 million per project. The required match funding is 25% of the grant request, which must be used for eligible project costs such as equipment, installation, and direct labor.
Project Eligibility: Eligible applicants include California-based industrial facilities, utilities, manufacturers, energy service companies, and project developers. Projects must involve technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or 8 and above, focusing on industrial electrification, load flexibility, and emissions reduction.
Program Goals: Funded projects must demonstrate significant GHG reduction, grid support (particularly during net peak periods), and community engagement, particularly within disadvantaged or low-income communities. Projects are encouraged to include public health benefits by reducing pollutants in priority populations.
Application Process: Applications open on September 12, 2024, with a submission deadline of December 20, 2024. The process includes a required Pre-Application Workshop and submission through the CEC’s Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS).
Evaluation: Applications undergo a two-stage evaluation—screening and scoring—with a minimum required score of 70 to be eligible for funding. Criteria include technical merit, impacts, benefits to priority populations, and community engagement.
Additional Requirements: The grant mandates completion of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance form, community benefit documentation, and adherence to public works laws such as prevailing wage rates for labor.
The program also includes detailed instructions for applicants on submission formats, budget requirements, and match funding guidelines. Applications with the potential for high GHG reductions, load flexibility, and community benefits are prioritized.
