California injects huge funds into multiple green fuel initiatives

The California Energy Commission has unanimously agreed to approve funding of over $35 million (€27.9 million) to help speed up the development of green fuels and technology.

The funding will support many different fuel and vehicle projects in the state, including natural gas vehicle technology and incentives, E85 fuelling stations, biodiesel production and hybrid and plug-in transportation.

The recipients of the funds are broken down as this:

• Calstart ($14.6 million)
• Propel Biofuels ($10.1 million)
• Sacport Biofuels ($5 million)
• Gas Technology Institute ($4.5 million)
• Springboard Biodiesel ($758,200)
• Whole Energy Pacifica ($125,274)
• Reynolds-Buick ($16,000)

The money will be spent on things like new biodiesel plants, natural gas powered vehicles, hybrid truck research and development projects and as a share in the cost of installing a proposed 101 new E85 fuelling facilities at existing petrol stations.

The funds will be provided by the Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Program which already provides approximately $100 million per annum to the sector.