The Delaware Energy Office (DEO) is seeking applications for projects to decrease the nation’s dependence on petroleum by expanding the use of dedicated alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), for projects that expand alternative refueling and blending infrastructure, for projects that will raise awareness and understanding of Alternative Fuels through education and outreach, and projects that expand the use of alternative fueled vehicles and advanced technology vehicles.

Project funding is provided by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and is part of the Stimulus Package for the Clean Cities Program.

The funding opportunities are:

Area of Interest 1: Refueling Infrastructure for Alternative Fuels: 

Subtopic 1A: Biofuel Retail Infrastructure Program seeks projects to expand the nation’s biofuel refueling infrastructure by expanding the number of publicly accessible retail stations that offer Biodiesel (blends of B20 or higher) or E85 (Projects that dispense ethanol/gasoline blends below E85 and B20 will not be considered). 

Subtopic 1B: Terminal Blending & Other Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program seeks projects to expand the nation’s alternative fuel infrastructure for other alternative fuels not covered by Subtopic 1A, such as natural gas or propane.  Additionally, projects to expand or establish local and regional terminal blending facilities for Biodiesel, and facilities that recover renewable Biogas from landfills, sewage/waste water plants, and agricultural facilities for direct use in vehicles are sought. 

50/50 cost share requirement
Expected 3-10 awards nationally
Anticipated award size $150,000 minimum to $1,000,000 maximum

Area of Interest 2: Incremental Cost of Dedicated Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Seeks applications for projects to decrease the nation’s dependence on petroleum by expanding the use of dedicated AFVs.  These funds can be used to help reduce the incremental cost for the purchase of new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) AFVs or the retrofit/conversion/repower of new and/or used conventional vehicles (i.e., vehicles originally designed to operate using diesel or gasoline) to run on authorized alternative fuels. Only on-road, highway-certified vehicles that operate exclusively on alternative fuels will be considered for funding. 

50/50 cost share requirement
Expected 4-8 awards nationally
Anticipated award size $200,000 minimum to $500,000 maximum

Area of Interest 3: Education and Outreach Workshops for Petroleum Reduction Fuels and Technologies:
Seeks applications for projects that will raise awareness and foster a greater understanding of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies through a targeted outreach and education effort.  Additionally, it will help to provide the necessary specialized training and education necessary to ensure that these vehicles and related fueling equipment are installed, maintained, and operated in a safe and proper manner.  Applications are being sought for four subtopic areas of interest:  Ethanol, Biodiesel, Natural Gas & Propane, Fuel Economy & Idle Reduction. 

No cost share is required
Expected 1-4 awards nationally
Anticipated Award Size $400,000 minimum to $1.8 M maximum

Area of Interest 4: Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicle Pilot Program
Seeks applications for projects that expand the use of alternative fueled vehicles and advanced technology vehicles.  The installation or acquisition of infrastructure necessary to directly support an alternative fueled vehicle or advanced technology vehicle is also eligible.  Prospective applicants shall be limited to State or local governments or a metropolitan transportation authority, or combinations of these AND a designated Clean Cities Coalition in order to apply to the program funding.  Special preference shall be given for “Shovel Ready”  applications that can rapidly implement vehicles and/or supporting fueling infrastructure projects while accelerating job creation and economic benefit. 

50/50 cost share requirement
Incremental Costs of vehicles covered to a specified limit per vehicle type
Expected 30 awards nationally
Anticipated Award Size $5M minimum to $15M maximum

Application due dates to the Delaware Energy Office:

• Program Areas of Interest 1-3, close of business, March 17, 2009
• Program Area of Interest 4, COB, May 15 (Round 1)
• CANCELLED Program Area of Interest 4, COB, Sept. 15 (Round 2)

Click here for the Clean Cities financial assistance funding opportunity announcement. 

For more information, contact Suzanne Sebastian at 302-735-3480.