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A
large number of emission sources contribute to the remaining
air quality problems in Southern California.
Given the diversity of these sources, it is unlikely that a
single technology will solve these problems. As a result,
the AQMD continues to support a wide range of advanced
technologies to address this diversity. Projects co-funded
by the AQMD’s Clean Fuels Program have included emission
reduction demonstrations for both mobile and stationary
sources of air pollution.
Historically, mobile source
projects have targeted low-emission technology developments
in automobiles, transit buses, medium- and heavy-duty
trucks, and off-road applications. These vehicle-related
efforts have focused on advancements in engine design,
electric power trains, and energy storage/conversion devices
(e.g., fuel cells and batteries); and implementation of
clean fuels (e.g. natural gas, propane, and hydrogen),
including their infrastructures. Stationary source projects
have included a wide array of advanced low NOx
technologies, low VOC coatings and processes, and clean
energy alternatives, such as fuel cells, solar power, and
other renewable energy systems.
The Clean Fuels Program (Program) continually
seeks to support the deployment of lower emitting technologies. The design and
implementation of the Program Plan must balance the needs in the various
technology sectors with technology readiness, emissions reduction potential and
co-funding opportunity. The SCAQMD Program is significant, especially during
these economically tough times when both public and private funding available
for technology research and development are limited. However, since national and
international activities affect the direction of technology trends, the real
challenge for the SCAQMD is to identify project or technology opportunities in
which its available funding can make a significant difference in deploying
progressively cleaner technologies in the Basin.
The overall strategy is
based in large part on technology needs identified in the Air Quality Management
Plan (AQMP) and the SCAQMD Governing Board’s directives to protect the health of
residents in the Basin. The AQMP is the long-term “blueprint” that defines:
During calendar year
(CY) 2008, the Governing Board approved
72
new projects or studies and modified 6 continuing projects adding additional
dollars toward research, development, demonstration and deployment (RDD&D) of
alternative fuel and clean fuel technologies in Southern California.
During CY 2008, the SCAQMD supported a variety of projects and technologies,
ranging from near-term to longer-term research, development, demonstration and
deployment activities. This “technology portfolio” strategy provides the
SCAQMD the ability and flexibility to leverage state and federal funding while
also addressing the specific needs of the South Coast Air Basin (Basin).
Projects in CY 2008 included demonstration
of emission control and aftertreatment technologies in off-road applications,
further expansion of the natural gas alternative refueling infrastructure,
development of heavy-duty natural gas engines and development of hybrid
electric vehicle technologies. The SCAQMD also executed five health impacts
and emissions studies to extend analysis of the connection between air
pollution and health.
The AQMD’s contribution
to these projects exceeded $11.3 million, with total projects costs exceeding
$57 million from other government organizations, private sector, academia and
research institutes. These projects address a wide range of air quality
issues with a diverse mix of advanced technologies. The pie chart below shows
the distribution of the Clean Fuels Program funds approved by the Board in
2008.
In addition to the new projects,
18 research, development, and demonstration projects, 19 technology
assessment or outreach projects, and 2 incentive projects were completed in CY 2008. The project summaries
are provided to the Governing Board Technology Committee during the year as the
projects are completed. Summaries for each of these projects are provided in
Appendix C of the Annual Report.
Distribution of Funds for Executed Clean Fuels Projects
CY 2008 ($11.3 million)
The
figure below shows the potential 2009 distribution of AQMD Clean Fuels funds,
based on projected program costs of $57 million for the 9 project areas
discussed above. The expected actual project expenditures for 2009 will be
much less than the total projected program cost since not all projects will
materialize. The target allocations are based on balancing technology
priorities, technical challenges and opportunities discussed previously, and
near-term versus long-term benefits with the constraints on available SCAQMD
funding. Specific contract awards throughout 2009 will be based on this
proposed allocation, the quality of proposals received and evaluation of
projects against standardized criteria, and, ultimately, the Board’s approval.
Upon presentation to the Board for project approval, additional details will be
provided about the technology, its application, the specific scope of work, the
project team capabilities, and the project cost-sharing.
Projected Cost Distribution for
Potential Projects
in 2009 and Beyond ($16.6 Million)
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