Electrifying the Local Ag Industry
General Overview
Many of 3CE’s Agricultural (Ag) customers are focused on reducing the climate impact of their operations, benefiting their bottom line and the planet. As a local partner in GHG reduction efforts and economic development, 3CE has identified the Electrification of the Ag sector as a key initiative/focus for our Energy Programs. Electrification, often referred to as “fuel switching” has a variety of benefits for the customer, the surrounding communities and the people who work in the fields.
3CE is providing incentives to the Ag sector for the purpose of fuel switching heavy duty equipment and farm tools from fossil fuels to cleaner all-electric alternatives. The program will be implemented via a competitive grant process. Recipients of the award will receive up to 80% of the total project cost, not to exceed $20,000. Total available funding for 3CE’s Ag energy program is $400,000.
Why do this?
The agricultural sector accounts for 8% of total GHG emissions in the State of California. The 3CE service territory has a large Ag sector presence and a significant percentage of our GHG emissions are from Ag sector activities such as:
Diesel-powered irrigation pumps.
Tractors and forklifts
Light/heavy-duty vehicles
Coolers/Boilers
and more
Ag electrification benefits include; cleaner air for farm workers and for our Central Coast through local GHG reduction, more efficient technology requiring less maintenance, and possible cost savings.
Program Walk-through
To qualify, an ag customer must be an enrolled 3CE customer within our current service area. Funding will be distributed via a competitive grant process. Interested customers may apply for specific projects and will be eligible for up to 80% of the total project cost, not to exceed $20,000, to support electrification/fuel switching costs. Funding to be provided at 3CE’s discretion.
This program, as the first iteration, is considered an exploratory program. 3CE also seeks feedback from the Ag industry about their electrification needs. This grant funding will go through a competitive process including analyzing the GHG reductions specific to each potential project on a $/MT GHG basis. Other considerations will be made as well including the benefit to people working in proximity to the equipment.
Resources
Email contact: programs@3Ce.org
Download the Ag Electrification Grant Program Flyer Here
Download the Ag Program Design and Implementation Guide Here
Links to similar state programs:
CARB: EMFAC2017 User’s Guide
CARB FARMER Program website
Carl Moyer: Tables for Emission Reductions and Cost-effectiveness calculations8