Breakthrough Technologies Institute - Fuel Cells 2000

This Emissions Reduction Incentive Grant program was established by the Texas
Legislature to provide monetary incentives for projects to improve air quality by reducing
NOx emissions in the state’s nonattainment areas.
On-road heavy-duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 lbs. or
more are eligible for grants under this program Awards are made for the purchase or
lease of reduced emission vehicles, replacement with newer LEVs, repowering or
retrofitting engines to emit at least 25% less NOx, or add-on of emission-reduction
technology. Fuel cells qualify for grants under “Demonstration of New Technology”
category. Projects may include:
• Use of retrofit, repower, and add-on technologies to reduce NOx emissions
from the existing stock of heavy-duty diesel vehicles and non-road diesel
equipment; and
• Use of advanced technologies, including use of qualifying fuels, for new
engines and vehicles that produce very-low or zero emissions of NOx—
including stationary and mobile fuel cells—which could replace the use of
higher-emitting diesels.
The grants are made through the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP).
Contact:
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Texas Emissions Reduction Plan
Phone: (800) 919-TERP (8377)
E-mail: terp@tceq.state.tx.us
Web: www.tceq.state.tx.us
5. PARTNERSHIPS:
Fuel Cells Texas
www.fuelcellstexas.org
Fuel Cells Texas is a non-profit trade association representing the fuel cell, hydrogen
and supporting industries in Texas. The group plays an active role in identifying and
promoting research and development and business development opportunities to
advance the fuel cell and hydrogen industries within the state.
Fuel Cells Texas members have worked with the State Energy Conservation Office
(SECO) and their Fuel Cell Initiative Advisory Committee in the development of a
proposed statewide plan for accelerating the commercialization of fuel cells. The group
has also provided information to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which
requested that the group craft a fuel cell development policy, and is investigating
whether legislation enacted in 2005 (H.B. 2129, which authorized the issuance of
emission reduction credits for energy efficiency in the Houston-Galveston nonattainment
area) could enable the introduction of fuel cells or CHP technology.
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