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GFO-22-308 – Decarbonizing Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems in Large Buildings

CA Energy Commission · 36230

Eligibility details

This solicitation is open to all public and private entities with the exception of local publicly-owned electric utilities. In accordance with CPUC Decision 12-05-037, funds administered by the CEC may not be used for any purposes associated with local publicly-owned electric utility activities.

Matching funds & resources

Source matching-funds field: 20%. Match funding in the amount of 20 percent of the EPIC funds is required.

Matching funds and leveraged resources are different requirements. Read the description and reviewed rules below before determining resource commitments.

About this opportunity

Space heating needs in large buildings have historically been met using fossil fuels and combustion-based equipment to generate hydronic hot water. This equipment is generally inexpensive (boilers cost ~$12–$30 per thousand Btu per hour (MBH)), has high turndown or ability to operate efficiently when heating needs are low, and uses an available, reliable resource for fuel. However, combustion of fossil fuels emits criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil gas combustion in commercial buildings is primarily used for space heating, water heating, and cooking, producing nearly 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018. As California transitions to electrifying space heating sys­tems, heat pumps and heat recovery chillers offer a viable option for traditional airside HVAC applications. However, heat pumps for large commercial buildings have challenges, such as higher first costs compared to fossil gas systems, lower operating efficiency at higher supply temperatures, and limitations operating at low ambient temperatures.

Funding geography: No local publicly-owned electric utilities.

Funding instrument: Grant. Issuing jurisdiction: California. This is not a geographic eligibility determination.