How New Energy Technologies are being Developed in California: Aspen Plays Key Role in CEC Grant Program
Do you ever wonder how new technologies are developed? From new battery storage technologies to harnessing new energy sources, energy research and development is a major component in our collective fight against climate change, and Aspen is playing a key role in this process through our work with the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) Energy Research and Development Division (ERDD). The ERDD hosts a grant program called the Electrical Program Investment Charge (EPIC) which creates funding opportunities for state-of-the-art technologies and energy research programs that help accelerate the transformation of the electricity sector to meet California’s energy and climate goals.
Aspen plays a very special role in this process by evaluating the grant applications for technical, financial, and operational feasibility of the proposed technology or research project. These technologies are often in the initial stages of development and the CEC grant would help push the technology to be market ready. Aspen’s preliminary review of the applications helps the CEC determine the most qualified grant project so the funding can be used in the most impactful way. Aspen also helps the CEC identify which grant applicants benefit disadvantaged and low-income communities so research funds and pilot projects can benefit these underserved communities. Some of our favorite EPIC Projects have included the following technologies:
Piezoelectric Technology
Vehicle-Grid Integration Technology
Instant Refrigeration Technology
Post-Wildfire Biofuel Technology
Aspen’s role in the EPIC Program gives us insight to the most innovative and leading energy research in the country. We are proud to be at the leading edge of the energy sector through our work with the CEC.