GFO-24-610 – Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Port Infrastructure

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has released a competitive grant funding opportunity (GFO-24-610) under its Clean Transportation Program. The purpose of this solicitation is to provide up to $40 million in funding for the deployment of medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) charging or hydrogen refueling infrastructure at California seaports and land ports of entry. Projects must support the installation of in-ground infrastructure for battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and/or port or off-road equipment. Funding is allocated to two applicant groups based on port size, with small ports eligible for up to $5 million per project and large ports up to $10 million. This initiative is authorized under Assembly Bills 118 and 126, which empower the CEC to develop and implement alternative fuel and advanced transportation technologies to support California’s climate and air quality goals. The funds for this grant are appropriated from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund as part of California Climate Investments. The program prioritizes benefits for disadvantaged and low-income communities and encourages participation from underrepresented businesses, including those owned by women, minorities, and veterans. Eligible applicants include all California ports as well as public and private entities that serve or support California ports. Investor-owned utilities are not eligible. Projects must meet infrastructure minimums—at least 20 charging ports or 2 hydrogen refueling positions for small ports, and at least 40 charging ports or 4 hydrogen positions for large ports. Applicants are required to provide a minimum 25% match share, with at least 50% of that amount in cash. Detailed technical specifications are required for equipment, and funded projects must comply with applicable safety, reliability, and reporting standards. Applications will be submitted and managed through the Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS). Required documents include a project narrative, scope of work, budget forms, resumes, CEQA worksheet, and several supporting attachments. Applications will be evaluated on project readiness, team experience, budget justification, and the expected economic, social, and environmental benefits. A minimum score of 70% and compliance with administrative and technical screening criteria are required for funding eligibility. Key dates include a solicitation release on March 27, 2025, an optional pre-application workshop on April 8, 2025, a written question deadline on April 14, 2025, and a final application deadline of June 13, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Award notifications are anticipated the week of July 21, 2025, with projects expected to be approved at a CEC business meeting in November 2025. Contact information for this solicitation is provided for both technical and procedural support. Phil Dyer is the designated Commission Agreement Officer and can be reached at [email protected] or (916) 891-8474. Applicants needing help with ECAMS submissions should contact [email protected].