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Introducing the New Piedmont and Coastal NC Clean Communities Coalition

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) is excited to unveil the new Piedmont and Coastal North Carolina Clean Communities coalition. Spanning across 57 counties, this coalition aims to bolster economic vitality, energy resilience, and overall quality of life throughout the state by championing accessible, effective, and eco-friendly transportation fuels and technology.

As part of the national Clean Cities and Communities network, a partnership under the US Department of Energy, Piedmont and Coastal North Carolina Clean Communities joins over 75 designated coalitions operating locally in urban, suburban and rural areas nationwide. This strategic alliance underscores the shared mission to fortify the nation’s environment, energy security, and economic prosperity through innovative clean transportation solutions.

Expanding the reach of Clean Cities coalitions in North Carolina holds promise for reducing the state’s reliance on foreign oil, curbing transportation-related emissions, and advancing public health. Moreover, this initiative aligns with the coalitions’ renewed commitment to statewide inclusivity, ensuring that all communities—regardless of size or location—receive support. This mirrors the federal government’s Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to direct a minimum of 40 percent of certain federal investments towards disadvantaged communities.

The new coalition builds on clean transportation efforts already happening across the state. NCCETC’s Clean Transportation program has championed clean energy initiatives in North Carolina for more than 35 years as a leading source of technical assistance and education on clean transportation technologies across the Southeast.

Over the years, NCCETC has held many Ride & Drive and Vehicle Displays for diverse audiences in North Carolina. These events offer attendees the chance to explore clean transportation technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and other alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). Dealers and local EV drivers are present onsite to provide insights and answer questions, offering firsthand experiences with clean transportation technologies.

NCCETC has hosted several EV tailgates at Wake Forest University prior to football games to give fans a chance to see electric cars on display. Last year, NCCETC hosted a Clean Transportation Demonstration Day in Jacksonville, NC to give government entities the opportunity to access information about and experience with clean transportation technologies and AFVs.

The day after, on Earth Day, NCCETC, along with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC), the regional EV Association Chapter, TEVA of NC, and the Triangle Clean Cities Coalition, collaborated to host an electric vehicle showcase booth at the 18th Annual Piedmont Earth Day Fair. Visitors had the opportunity to explore and experience electric vehicles from the region firsthand, with EV owners available to provide insights and answer questions.

Near the end of 2023, NCCETC partnered with the Upper Coastal Plains Council of Governments to bolster EV infrastructure resilience in North Carolina’s Upper Coastal Plains region. This initiative included a tailored webinar series discussing EV infrastructure resilience in Eastern North Carolina, offering crucial insights and laying the groundwork for similar initiatives beyond the region. 

NCCETC is supporting several events for Earth Month 2024 in Fayetteville, Greenville and Roanoke Rapids. EV owners interested in having their vehicle on display or available for ride & drives can register online via this form. For individuals interested in attending a Drive Electric Earth Month event, find an event near you and RSVP at driveelectricearthmonth.org.

“As clean energy infrastructure is concerned, this is a very exciting and important time for both North Carolina and our nation,” said Carter Spradling, Senior Regional Planner PTRC and Director of the Northwest Piedmont Rural Planning Organization. 

PTRC, a longstanding education and outreach partner of NCCETC, is a member organization of the Piedmont and Coastal NC Clean Communities advisory committee along with East Carolina University, Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, North Carolina Military Business Center, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, Piedmont Truck Center, Roanoke Electric Membership Corporation, Town of Williamston, and the City of Wilmington. 

Hank Graham, Executive Director of the Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, is proud to be the first Chair for the coalition. “Our current short and long term goals for the new coalitions is to promote clean transportation events and efforts in the Piedmont and Coastal regions of North Carolina,” Graham shared.

“The new Piedmont and Coastal North Carolina Clean Communities Coalition is in position to guide and establish the energy landscape, and positively impact the lives of millions of North Carolinians,” Spradling expressed. “Done properly, we can situate our state and our region for success for decades to come through implementing sustainable and resilient solutions that are also on the cutting edge of technology.”

To drive progress within the coalition’s objectives and enhance stakeholder engagement, Piedmont and Coastal NC Clean Communities has established three subcommittees or working groups:

  1. Funding and Resource Opportunities: This subcommittee aims to disseminate key information and foster collaboration on funding opportunities pertaining to alternative fuels and vehicles, air quality, fuel efficiency, and other transportation-related projects.Through the power of partnership, stakeholders will be empowered to maximize their impact when implementing clean transportation initiatives by pooling resources and expertise to access competitive grants at the state, local and federal levels. 
  1. Fleet Services and Support: Assisting public and private fleets, this subcommittee coordinates educational events and offers recommendations to facilitate the adoption of alternative fuels and clean transportation technologies. By enhancing fleet sustainability statewide, this group plays a crucial role in advancing clean transportation initiatives.
  1. Fueling and Charging Infrastructure Planning: Collaborating with planning organizations and state agencies, this subcommittee assesses needs and identifies opportunities for the development of electric vehicle charging stations and other fueling infrastructure. 

Enacted through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI) allocates nearly $5 billion from July 2022 to June 2027 to assist states in establishing a network of 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations along designated alternative fuel corridors. North Carolina anticipates receiving up to $109 million to expand EV infrastructure along its approved corridors.

NCCETC is assisting the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in the facilitation of networking opportunities for stakeholders interested in partnering on charging station development and infrastructure. Currently, NCDOT is developing a NEVI Networking Database for entities interested in deploying EV supply equipment (EVSE) under the NEVI program as part of deployment teams consisting of site developers, EVSE providers and site hosts. NCCETC has been promoting the networking database and encouraging local businesses to consider entering their information into the database in order to potentially connect with developers interested in building high-powered DC Fast Chargers under the funding. A DC Fast Charger located at a local business can bring travelers to the business to spend time there as they charge. NCCETC staff have reached out to local Chambers of Commerce across the 57 county region to provide them with information about the NEVI funding.

The GIS map from NCDOT delineates the suggested sites for 11 electric vehicle charging stations earmarked for Round 1 funding under the NEVI Program. NCDOT unveiled this GIS map prior to issuing the Request for Proposal (RFP) to aid in planning; NEVI program applicants are required to locate their proposed charging stations within these specified clusters. NCDOT intends to issue the RFP for NEVI Round 1 funding in the coming spring.

The Fermata FE-15 bidirectional charger at Roanoke Electric’s headquarters. Left to right, Dr Holmes Hummel (CleanEnergyWorks), Wallace Ridgeway (Fermata Energy), George Stamper (Roanoke VP of Engineering), Ricky Robinson (Roanoke Warehouse Coordinator), Anita Knight (Roanoke Manager of Engineering), and John Bonitz (NCCETC).

Roanoke Electric Cooperative (REC), a member of the coalition’s advisory committee, will play a pivotal role in facilitating educational opportunities for fleets and the general public in their service area. Marshall Cherry, President and CEO of REC, said, “Investing in collaboration with Clean Cities and Communities promises numerous benefits for our community, including access to networking opportunities, technical training, and information resources on alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. Through such partnerships, we can effectively reduce fuel use and air pollution, fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future for Piedmont and Coastal NC.”

NCCETC and REC previously collaborated on a two-year demonstration of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, showcasing the economic benefits of bidirectional charging. REC’s headquarters in Ahoskie, NC, served as the test site for Fermata Energy’s bidirectional charger and two Nissan LEAF Plus cars. Through various use cases including peak load reduction, load following, and coincident peak demand reduction, REC demonstrated monthly savings exceeding EV lease costs. This innovative approach not only reduces REC’s electric bill but also supports the local grid and reduces pollution, benefiting both REC and its member-owners.

Alrik Lunsford, Clean Transportation Specialist for NCCETC, is serving as the Director of the Piedmont and Coastal NC Clean Communities coalition. “Through the Piedmont and Coastal NC Clean Communities coalition, we are not just shaping the future of transportation in North Carolina; we are forging a path towards a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous state for generations to come,” Lunsford remarked. “Together, we will drive innovation, promote sustainability, and leave a lasting legacy of positive impact on our communities and our environment.”

Public and private organizations which operate within the coalition territory can sign up to become stakeholders by completing this form. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Piedmont and Coastal North Carolina Clean Communities coalition, visit www.fuelwhatmatters.org.

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Accelerating the Transition: Electric School Buses Transforming Transportation for a Sustainable Future

Electric school buses are rolling out across the country due to historic federal and state investments made to support the replacement of existing diesel school buses with low and zero-emission alternatives. The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), through its Clean Transportation program, stands at the forefront, assisting fleets eager to leverage grant or rebate funds for cleaner, more sustainable transportation options and infrastructure.

In a recent webinar titled “Seasoned Fleet Managers’ Straight Talk on Electric School Buses,” experienced fleet managers from the Southeast region, including Donnie Owle of Cherokee Boys Club Inc., Paul D’Andrade of Fairfax County Virginia Public Schools, Hope Watts of Lynchburg Virginia Public Schools, and Wendy Anderson of Randolph County Public Schools, shared insights into their experiences with acquiring and deploying electric school buses. The full webinar, hosted by NCCETC’s John Bonitz and Rick Sapienza, is available to stream for free on GoToWebinar. 

Donnie Owle, Service Manager and Vice President of the Cherokee Boys Club, discussed the successful integration of electric school buses into their fleet. With support from NCCETC, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) secured funds through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program, making them the first tribe east of the Mississippi to receive such grant funding. 

Owle initially had reservations when considering the possibility of adding electric school buses to his fleet. “First two things I thought about were power and how they were going to do here in the mountains – and how long is the battery going to last?” said Owle. 

Being able to experience the power of an ESB on a ride-along persuaded Owle to change his mind. Owle and other CBC staff members traveled to High Point, NC where the school bus manufacturer Thomas Built Buses, Inc. is headquartered. “They really impressed me on how long the battery will last,” Owle recalled. 

NCCETC staff played a central role in this initiative, collaborating closely with the CBC to assist in the grant-writing process and conduct emissions quantifications. These services were helpful in assessing the potential reduction in air pollution from the retirement of older, polluting buses and the subsequent deployment of new, zero-emission electric school buses. 

The success of this collaboration underscores the commitment of both the EBCI and NCCETC in spearheading innovative solutions for cleaner, more sustainable transportation in the region. The EBCI and CBC are the first school bus fleet in North Carolina, and among the first in the Southeast, to commit to a pathway towards 100% electrification. 

As part of NCCETC’s Clean Transportation program, Bonitz has been providing ongoing technical support to EBCI and the CBC transportation division, which operates the bus system for Cherokee Central Schools on the Qualla Boundary. He guided CBC staff through the meticulous documentation process of disabling and scrapping old diesel buses, ensuring compliance with the EPA’s DERA program.

“We just completed the process of permanently retiring EBCI’s old diesel school buses as part of the EPA’s funding requirements,” said Bonitz. “The EPA has a detailed process for scrapping the old buses which had to be completed within 90 days of receiving the new electric school buses to ensure the funds are being used to replace and remove polluting vehicles from the road, for good.” Pictured is Katie Tiger, an Environmental Specialist with the EBCI, posing as the engine of a retired diesel bus is destroyed.

Diesel school buses emit harmful pollutants into the air, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Diesel exhaust from these buses can cause poor air quality in addition to a myriad of health problems such as asthma and heart disease. Children are especially vulnerable to air pollution both inside and near diesel school buses due to their underdeveloped lungs and faster breathing rate when compared to adults. 

Bus drivers, school staff, students and community members can all benefit from the implementation of low- and zero-emission vehicles. The use of electric school buses results in cleaner air on the bus, along the bus route and in loading areas, as well as in the communities in which they operate. 

Paul D’Andrade, Assistant Director of Transportation for Fairfax County Public Schools, emphasized the operational benefits of electric school buses. “We’re seeing significant savings when it comes down to fueling, between charging versus diesel and also for maintenance,” he reported. 

D’Andrade elaborated on the cost savings from electric school buses: With reduced fuel expenses, eliminated fluid changes, and fewer mechanical parts in need of maintenance, electric school buses have proven lower operational costs than their diesel counterparts. The positive impact extends to reduced brake wear, thanks to regenerative braking technology.

Funding Opportunity Available Now: 2023 Clean School Bus Program Rebates

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) of 2021 provides $5 billion over 5 years (2022-2026) to support the replacement of existing school buses with clean or zero-emission school buses under Title XI: Clean School Buses and Ferries. Under this law, the EPA was authorized to administer rebates, grants, and contracts, aiming to replace a significant portion of the country’s fleet of approximately 500,00 school buses with environmentally friendly and zero-emission models to mitigate the adverse emissions from older, more polluting buses. 

Under the Clean School Bus (CSB) Program, fifty percent of the allocated funds are specifically earmarked for the adoption of zero-emission school buses, while the remaining fifty percent is designated for the acquisition of clean school buses. A zero-emission school bus is defined as a vehicle that generates no exhaust emissions of air pollutants or greenhouse gasses while a clean school bus is characterized as a bus that diminishes emissions and operates either wholly or partially on alternative fuel.

The EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program through January 31, 2024. This is the third round of funding offered through the CSB program and $500 million has been made available to public school districts, tribal applicants, and third parties such as nonprofit school transportation associations and eligible contractors. 

As stipulated in law, prioritization is given to certain CSB applicants, including high-need and rural school districts, school districts funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and school districts that support children who reside on Indian land. Applicants requesting funding that meet the prioritization criteria are eligible for increased funding per bus and benefit from preferential consideration in the selection process. 

The 2023 CSB Rebate Program will provide up to $345,000 per ESB to cover the purchase of the bus and related electric vehicle charging infrastructure. More information regarding the selection process and prioritization can be found on the EPA’s website here. 

Another important fund source is NC’s Department of Public Instruction (DPI), which covers a minimum of $100,000 per electric bus that replaces an old diesel bus already scheduled for replacement.  In some cases, depending on bus specifications, the DPI contribution may be as high as $125,000.

Duke Energy is also helping contribute to the costs of electric bus charging infrastructure.  Their EV Charger Prep Credit is worth many thousands of dollars, based on specifics of the charger and usage, as determined by an online calculator. 

“For prioritized applicants, it looks very good: Between EPA’s $345k, DPI’s $100k, charger prep credit from Duke Energy, and the IRS tax credit elective payments on bus and charger, prioritized applicants can be confident their costs will be covered,” said Bonitz.

The Inflation Reduction Act also offers tax credits which may be applicable to help cover the cost of bus and infrastructure purchases, even for tax-exempt entities like local governments and school districts. The Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit provides up to $40,000 for qualified clean vehicles and the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit provides up to $100,000 for qualified charging and refueling infrastructure.

In North Carolina, the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) program provides annual funding for clean transportation technologies in eligible counties across the state. CFAT funding, administered by NCCETC, helps private and public fleets purchase clean transportation technologies to improve North Carolina’s air quality.

In North Carolina, newly available funding sources are more than enough to cover all costs of ESB projects for certain applicants.  Because EPA prioritizes a list of high-need local education agencies, rural areas, disadvantaged communities, etc., such as North Carolina’s Tier 1 counties and Historically Under-Resourced Counties, they offer a more generous rebate for projects by these prioritized applicants. In many cases, available incentive funds will cover 100% of the project costs, especially for underfunded, disadvantaged, and rural school districts.  As John Bonitz describes,  “For prioritized applicants, it looks very good: Between EPA’s $345k, DPI’s $100k, charger prep credit from Duke Energy, and the IRS tax credit elective payments on bus and charger, prioritized applicants can be confident their costs will be covered.” 

With such an abundance of funding sources available for purchasing electric school buses, these funds can be “braided” together to cover 100% of the project costs, especially for underfunded, disadvantaged and rural school districts. NCCETC has published a fact sheet with information about these funding sources and includes a spreadsheet that can be downloaded to create a draft budget to estimate project costs.

The transition to electrify school buses in the United States represents a commitment to the well-being of our communities and the environment. The continuous collaboration between NCCETC and pioneering fleets exemplifies the collective effort required to build a sustainable future, one electric school bus at a time. As we deploy these cleaner and more efficient modes of transportation, we create a future where our children can breathe easier, learn safer, and travel sustainably.

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Driving the Future: Captivating Moments from the 2023 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference and Expo

Last month, more than 400 attendees joined the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) in Raleigh, NC for the 2023 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo (SFT). Conference guests were able to discover the latest and greatest in sustainable fleet technology, operations and implementation over the course of three days while networking with other fleet professionals and technology providers. 

“The SFT Conference this year gave fleet and transportation experts a valuable platform to explore cutting-edge vehicle technologies, as well as tools and resources tailored to enhance efficiency and emissions reduction,” said Heather Brutz, Director of the Clean Transportation program at NCCETC.

In its seventh year, the annual SFT Conference returned to the Raleigh Convention Center where the inaugural conference was held in 2017. The Raleigh Convention Center’s large exhibit halls were the perfect space to display all of the heavy, medium, and light-duty vehicles in addition to transportation and charging technologies for attendees to explore during expo hall hours. 

The exhibit hall was brimming with exhibitors for the 2023 conference including AssetWorks; Alliance Autogas; Kempower; Southeast Propane Alliance; Propane Education & Research Council; Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition; Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition; Triangle Clean Cities Coalition; Lightning eMotors; Advanced Energy; DC-America; Daimler Truck NA/Thomas Built Buses/Freightliner Custom Chassis; North Carolina Department of Transportation; Piedmont Natural Gas; Verizon Connect; Pakistan Smart Energy; ZEVX Inc.; Guardian Fueling Technologies; bp pulse; Revels Turf & Tractor Co.; Forward Thinking Systems, LLC; Atom Power; Sourcewell; NAFA Fleet Management Association; Pioneer Power e-Mobility Solutions; Viatec; The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company; ROUSH CleanTech; Faster Asset Solutions; Webasto Charging Systems, Inc.; and PortFi.

Pictured: Attendees gathered around a display of Viatec’s flagship electric power take-off (ePTO) product, SmartPTO, which can be retrofitted to fleet vehicles and provides the benefits of enhanced safety, reduced maintenance, lower cost of ownership, and social responsibility for electric utility providers.

Pictured: The industry’s first and only production all-electric bucket truck which debuted last year thanks to a unique collaboration between Viatec, Terex and Navistar/International Trucks.

Pictured: Pioneer Power Mobility’s e-Boost mobile electric vehicle (EV) fast charging solution plugged into a Volvo’s first all electric crossover C40 Recharge.

Pictured: The City of Durham’s Mach-E and City of Charlotte’s Ford F150 and Mach-E fleet vehicles. 

On August 14, 2023 the winners of the 16th annual Green Fleet Awards were announced by NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) during the pre-conference day at the 2023 SFT Conference.

Pictured: Ryan Krogh, Manager of Production System Solutions at John Deere, delivered the opening keynote, From Products to Solutions: The Next Phase of Technology.

Pictured: The keynote plenary, From Good Ideas to Success Stories, featured a panel moderated by Leigh Shamblin, Director of Leadership and Professor of Practice for NC State University Poole College of Management and also included Jamie Cooke, Chief Operating Officer for the Department of Generals Services in Montgomery County, Maryland; Al Curtis, Fleet Services Director for Cobb County, Georgia; and Rick Longobart, Fleet Operations Manager for the City of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Pictured: Ameya Joshi from Corning, Inc. was on the panel for the Advancements in Medium/Heavy Duty Vehicles and Infrastructure keynote plenary along with Rick Sapienza from NCCETC, Mark Childers from Thomas Built Buses, Stuart Weidie from Alliance AutoGas, Jennifer Weaver from Clean Fuels Alliance America, and Marcus Suvanto from Kempower.

Pictured: The final keynote plenary, Advancements in Light Duty Vehicles and Infrastructure, was moderated by Heather Brutz of NCCETC. She was joined by Brian Bradford, Chief Commercial Officer of Jule Power; Bob Glaser, President of the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association; Ryan Kennedy, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Atom Power; and Chris Thomas, Government Sales Manager at Stellantis.

The 2023 SFT Conference offered 12 breakout sessions across three tracks related to Funding and Planning, Vehicle Technologies, and Fueling and Charging Infrastructure. Pictures from several breakout sessions can be seen below.

The NCCETC hosts the annual Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference as part of its mission to advance a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies.

PowerPoint presentations will be available in the coming weeks at www.SustainableFleetExpo.com. Stay tuned for next year’s conference dates. Don’t miss out on future updates for the 2024 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference – sign up for the clean transportation newsletter now! 

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Everything You Need to Know About Electric Vehicles & Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Incentives in North Carolina

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at NC State University has released a new resource for both commercial and public sector customers interested in purchasing an electric vehicle or installing a charging station.

The new guidance document – Electric Vehicles & Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Incentives in North Carolina – will help customers navigate the variety of direct financial incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) and supporting EV infrastructure and planning offered throughout North Carolina. Incentives are available through federal, state, regional and electric utility funded programs. 

Heather Brutz, Director of the Clean Transportation program at NCCETC, is seeing a frenzy to electrify in both the commercial and public sectors of the transportation industry. “We are seeing light-duty electric vehicle ownership skyrocket and medium duty and heavy duty vehicles are following close behind,” Brutz said. 

With a burgeoning EV market, transportation electrification has gained significant momentum and is leading the way towards an emissions-free future. North Carolina, along with the rest of the United States, is poised to make substantial advancements in the development and adoption of clean transportation technologies in order to affirm the state’s commitment to reducing statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and drive the adoption of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). 

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) released a statewide GHG inventory in 2018 which found that North Carolina’s transportation sector contributed almost 36% of the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions. NCDOT states reducing GHG emissions in the transportation sector is a critical component of the state’s strategy, and the department has been working with stakeholders to develop plans and strategies to reduce transportation emissions. 

On Oct. 29, 2018, Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law Executive Order No. 80 (EO 80), “North Carolina’s Commitment to Address Climate Change and Transition to a Clean Energy Economy.” EO 80 calls to reduce greenhouse gas emission to 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. 

In January 2022, Gov. Cooper signed Executive Order 246 (EO 246), “North Carolina’s Transformation to a Clean, Equitable Economy.” EO 246 builds upon EO 80 and calls for a 50 percent reduction in economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. It also sets a transportation-specific goal to increase the total number of registered zero-emission vehicles to at least 1,250,000 by 2030 and increase the sale of zero-emission vehicles so that 50 percent of all in-state vehicle sales are zero-emission by 2030.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 is the most significant action Congress has taken on clean energy and climate change in the nation’s history. The bill includes $370 billion in investments committed to building a new clean energy economy through a combination of grants, loans, rebates, incentives and other investments. 

The IRA makes several changes to the tax credit provided for qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles, including adding fuel cell vehicles to the tax credit. The IRA also added a new credit for previously owned clean vehicles. 

Legal and regulatory barriers can affect the pace of EV technology adoption and deployment, but clear policy goals can both provide market certainty and help accelerate deployment. Incentive programs are driving demand higher across the nation, resulting in an increase in EV adoption as electric and hybrid vehicles move past early adoption and into mainstream use.

Drivers who purchase EVs are eligible for tax credits and incentives for making the green choice. Some all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles purchased new are eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. In North Carolina and many other states, qualified EVs may use HOV or carpool lanes, regardless of the number of occupants, allowing them to bypass high congestion traffic areas. 

If you place in service a new plug-in electric vehicle (EV) or fuel cell vehicle (FCV) in 2023 or after, you may qualify for a clean vehicle tax credit. Find information on credits from the IRS for used clean vehicles, qualified commercial clean vehicles, and new plug-in EVs purchased before 2023. The IRS has also released a fact sheet with frequently asked questions related to new, previously owned and qualified commercial clean vehicle credits. 

Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to learn more about federal, state and utility policies and incentives to assist with upfront costs of electric vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment. Maintained and operated by the NCCETC, DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on clean energy related policies and incentives in the United States with summaries of more than 2,600 incentives and policies.

If you are considering making other energy improvements to your home, NCCETC recently published a new Word to the Wise resource to help you become a better educated consumer and navigate the financial incentives offered to you by electric utilities, localities, states, or the federal government. This edition of the Word to the Wise features “Your Guide to Home Energy Upgrades with the Inflation Reduction Act” and includes information about the many incentives expanded or made available via the IRA. To help as many interested individuals as possible, NCCETC has also produced a version en español: Unas Palabras para el Sabio – “Su Guía para Mejorar su Energía en la Casa con la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación.”

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35 Years of NCCETC: Clean Transportation Program Propels Technologies & Public Education

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at NC State University is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2023. The NCCETC has dedicated more than three decades to advancing a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies. 

Founded in December 1987 as the North Carolina Solar Center, NCCETC was first established through a partnership among the state government of North Carolina, NC State University, and the solar industry with sponsorship from the Energy Division of the NC Department of Commerce (now known as the State Energy Office). The North Carolina Solar Center was created to meet the need for a central clearinghouse that could assist the state’s citizens, businesses, and institutions in using solar energy.

Over the years, NCCETC’s focus expanded into a broader array of renewable energy resources, alternative transportation technologies, clean power technologies and industrial energy efficiency. In 2003, environmental leaders from across North Carolina gathered to dedicate an Alternative Fuels Vehicle (AFV) Demonstration Facility while celebrating the 15th anniversary of NCCETC. The AFV Facility served as a research and education facility for a variety of alternative fuels, adding clean transportation to NCCETC’s outreach, education and research activities. 

Clean transportation is one of the primary programmatic areas of focus for NCCETC today. Working with government, non-profit organizations and businesses, NCCETC is helping diversify fuel supplies and support clean, more vibrant local and state economies with the ultimate goal of cleaner air and greater energy diversity. 

Anne Tazewell joined NCCETC in July 2004 and shortly thereafter established the Clean Transportation program before successfully obtaining funding for the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project. Tazewell remained at NCCETC for 17 years before she retired in 2021. “I quickly fell in love with the idea of public service and working with others to serve the greater good,” said Tazewell.

To move forward this mission, Tazewell secured regional Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funding to open the state’s first publicly accessible biodiesel service station in Garner, NC. In 2006 and 2009, NCCETC was awarded a total of $2.6 million in CMAQ funding from the NC Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration to reduce transportation related emissions in North Carolina counties that do not meet national air quality standards. 

The NC Division of Air Quality and State Energy Office also contributed $200,000 each to support the CFAT project. The three million dollar project encompasses three broad areas: education and outreach, recognition of exemplary activities, and direct project funding. From 2006 through 2019, NCCETC has provided $11.9 million in federal funds to help private and public fleets in North Carolina purchase clean transportation technologies to improve the state’s air quality. 

In 2020, Tazewell efforts were recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the NC Sustainable Energy Association for being a tireless champion of clean air and clean energy. Tazewell explained she first entered into clean energy to express her passion for reducing  oil dependence. Before joining NCCETC, she worked at the Triangle J Council of Governments where she saw the power of public and private partnerships for advancing affordable domestic transportation fuels, energy efficient mobility systems, and other fuel-saving technologies.

One key project completed during Tazewell’s tenure was the tracking and compliance on behalf of the state of the Petroleum Displacement Plan (PDP) Provision, mandated by the NC General Assembly. Implementation of the PDP requirement in fiscal year 2010-2011 has resulted in a 16% reduction in petroleum use by state fleet vehicles as compared to the baseline of fuel use established in fiscal year 2004-2005, through the use of alternative fuels, efficient vehicles and other policies and practices that conserve fuel.

Providing Technical Assistance & Fleet Education

NCCETC engages with government entities and employees through a variety of ways including holding Clean Transportation Demonstration Days where attendees come from across North Carolina to gain education and experience with clean transportation technologies. The Clean Transportation team hosted two Clean Transportation Demonstration Days this year in April – one in Garner and one in Jacksonville, North Carolina – where hundreds of attendees were able to hear about real-world case study results, experience hands-on static review of technologies, network and participate in a closed-course ride and drive. 

Clean Transportation Demonstration Days start with classroom instruction before the ride and drive begins. This year, speakers from Alliance Autogas, Potter EV, Cenntro, Cary Cartco, Pioneer eMobility and Electrify EVSE presented on topics such as telematics, safety, idle reduction technologies, vehicle electrification, and other strategies that improve fleet sustainability. Following classroom instruction, attendees explored a diverse display of vehicles and alternative fuel technologies such as electric and alt-fuel vehicles, buses, police vehicles, utility vehicles, charging equipment and more.

Currently, the clean transportation team is hosting webinars through the Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series, a collaborative partnership with NAFA Fleet Management Association and The 100 Best Fleets, to share the best practices and information on the latest fleet technologies. 

2023 SUSTAINABLE FLEET TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE & EXPO

In 2014, the Center held the Southeast Alternative Fuels Conference. In 2017 the conference was renamed the Sustainable Fleet Technology (SFT) Conference & Expo was held to expand education, training, and networking on advanced clean transportation technologies. The event has been hosted every year since (even going virtual for two years during the pandemic).

Registration for the 2023 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo is open now! Join us on August 14-16, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Come and learn from your peers and experts. Or, join us and share your expertise – opportunities to sponsor, exhibit, and display vehicles are still available. 

The 2023 SFT Conference will feature keynote presentations, 50+ panelists, breakout sessions in 3 conference tracks, indoor vehicle/equipment display and plenty of networking opportunities to engage with more than 350 other registered attendees. Attendees will be able to attend 4 breakout sessions where they can choose the session that best fits their needs or interests across 3 conference tracks:

A. Funding & Planning

  1. Federal Funding Sources
  2. Data for Sustainability and Success
  3. Innovative Funding
  4. Training for Success

B. Vehicle Technologies

  1. New Horizons: AI and Autonomous Vehicles
  2. Sustainable Trucking Solutions
  3. Advancements in Engines, Powertrains, and Batteries
  4. Off-Road Equipment

C. Fueling & Charging Infrastructure

  1. Longer-Term Planning for Infrastructure Deployment
  2. Managing Demand Charges
  3. New Models for Fueling and Charging
  4. Integrating Facility and Fleet Energy Planning

Learn more and register now at www.sustainablefleetexpo.com.

GRANT FUNDING TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY & ACCELERATE FLEET SUSTAINABILITY

The Transportation sector represents the largest contributor to North Carolina’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions according to a statewide inventory of GHG emissions produced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ). The Transportation sector represents about 36% of all GHG emissions with onroad light-duty gasoline vehicles representing 72% of Transportation sector GHG emissions in 2018, while on road medium/heavy-duty diesel vehicles are the next largest contributor at 16%. 

Emissions from the Transportation sector decreased by an estimated 3% from 2005 to 2018 in North Carolina according to the DAQ. The fact that on road vehicle GHG emissions decreased while vehicle-miles traveled increased over this period demonstrates the effectiveness of vehicle fuel efficiency improvements. The Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) supported a diverse set of projects that included truck stop electrification and supporting the use of electric motorcycles for a municipal police patrol as well as propane powered delivery vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations. 

Other types of projects funded by CFAT has included infrastructure projects such as fueling stations and electric vehicle charging stations, purchasing alternative fuel and electric vehicles, diesel and propane retrofits, idle reduction systems, and more.  See link HERE for a list of projects supported by the CFAT project.

“The CFAT project aims to promote and accelerate the adoption of new clean transportation technologies,” said Heather Brutz, Director of the Clean Transportation program at NCCETC. 

Propelling Public Education on Clean Transportation Technologies

The initial CFAT project started by Tazewell also included education and outreach activities that included billboards, workshops and conferences that continue today with Ride & Drive and Vehicle Displays for a variety of audiences to provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about clean transportation technologies including electric vehicles (EVs) and other alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), along with dealers and local EV drivers onsite to answer questions about the driving experience behind the wheel of an EV. 

The Student Art Contest is another annual event hosted by the NCCETC. Students from kindergarten, middle and high schools across North Carolina are invited to submit their artwork for a chance to be featured on billboards across the state. Earlier this month, NCCETC announced the 2023 “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest winners. 

Heather Brutz created the Student Art Contest while drawing on her previous experience as a middle school teacher. “The art contest is an engaging way to get young people involved in spreading awareness about the ways we can reduce air pollution from vehicles,” Brutz said. Students were asked to create art focused on actions that people can take to reduce air pollution from vehicles and help keep the air clean. NCCETC congratulated three artists located in Kernersville, Hampstead, and Cary, NC.

SPECIAL PROJECT SUPPORT

At the end of 2020, NCCETC partnered with Roanoke Electric Cooperative to demonstrate cutting edge vehicle-to-grid technology. For two years the Cooperative worked with Fermata Energy to pilot the first electric vehicle charging system that meets the North American standard for two-way current as verified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Findings from the demonstration show the positive economic potential for using bidirectional charging technologies to feed energy stored in electric vehicle batteries back to charging sites, especially when the grid is experiencing high demand.

As the market share of EVs continues to grow, there is a nationwide call to establish robust charging infrastructure and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to fuel transportation electrification in the U.S. To assist planners and developers in selecting the perfect site to fit their charging needs, NCCETC recently developed a customizable tool for prioritizing the placement of EV chargers. The EVSE Suitability GIS product is not only able to consider several variables relevant to determining charging infrastructure siting benefits, but also has a custom weighting function so developers can tailor the weight of each variable being considered to their unique situation. 

NCCETC’s Alexander Yoshizumi coordinated with Roanoke Electric Cooperative while creating the EVSE Suitability GIS tool, identifying factors to include in the suitability tool in addition to the approximate weight that each factor should be given. The GIS product was created using data for the five counties covered by Roanoke Electric Cooperative: Bertie, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, and Northampton.

Last year, NCCETC staff provided assistance to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) as they applied for grant funding to support cleaner student transportation in North Carolina.  Following their groundbreaking award of VW Settlement funds for a new electric school bus in 2021, the EBCI received notice from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an award for four additional electric school buses in 2022. EBCI will be replacing five diesel school buses with four new electric buses in collaboration with the Cherokee Boys Club (CBC) and the NCCETC. This award marked The Eastern Band as the first tribe east of the Mississippi to be awarded grant funding through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program administered by the EPA.

The staff at NCCETC provides technical assistance to fleets interested in building toward a sustainable fleet. The Clean Transportation team has previously assisted municipalities such as the Town of Apex and Morrisville to assess their fleet utilization and ultimately transition to  zero-emission vehicles and electrify their fleet. 

This article is part of a series highlighting the work done by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center throughout its history in celebration of its 35th Anniversary. View the previous article to learn how the Training program at NCCETC provides educational opportunities for individuals to get the training and credentials they need to launch their clean energy careers and supports professionals seeking to integrate clean energy into their day-to-day work.
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NCCETC Drives Awareness & Adoption of Clean Transportation Technologies at Alternative Fuel Vehicle Demonstration Days

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at NC State University welcomed hundreds of attendees celebrating Earth Month for two Clean Transportation Demonstration Days as well as several vehicle displays and Ride & Drive events hosted throughout April.

The Clean Transportation program at NCCETC hosts Ride & Drive and Vehicle Displays for a variety of audiences to provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about clean transportation technologies including electric vehicles (EVs) and other alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), along with dealers and local EV drivers onsite to answer questions about the driving experience behind the wheel of an EV. 

 

On April 11 and 12, NCCETC’s Clean Transportation program hosted two Demonstration Days ‒  one in Garner, North Carolina and another in Jacksonville ‒ to give government entities across North Carolina and the Southeast the opportunity to access information and experience with clean transportation technologies.

Attendees were able to hear real-world case study results and learn about the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization during the classroom instruction portion of the event. Key speakers and presentations included NCCETC’s Executive Director Steve Kalland, Heather Hildebrandt of the NC Department of Transportation, Annie Lee from the Triangle J Council of Governments’ Clean Cities Coalition, Sam Spofforth of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory,  and representatives from companies leading the way in alternative fuel options, technologies, and more. 

Speakers from Alliance Autogas, Potter EV, Cenntro, Cary Cartco, Pioneer eMobility and Electrify EVSE presented on topics such as telematics, safety, idle reduction technologies, vehicle electrification, and other strategies that improve fleet sustainability. The Southeast Propane Alliance and Propane Education and Research Council were also sponsors of the event. An overview of the presentation slides are available to download on NCCETC’s website.

Following classroom instruction, attendees explored a diverse display of vehicles and alternative fuel technologies such as electric and alt-fuel vehicles, buses, police vehicles, utility vehicles, charging equipment and more. View the graphic below for a preview of the display lineup.

“Demonstration days are a great opportunity for government employees to gain hands-on experience with alternative fuel vehicles and network with others to learn more about the benefits of clean transportation,” said Heather Brutz, Director of the Clean Transportation program at NCCETC. Attendees were even able to test drive some of the vehicles themselves or ride-along as they took a lap around the track. 

The local community in Raleigh, NC was also able to test drive electric vehicles at NCCETC’s Earth Day EV Ride & Drive at The Corner on NC State University’s Centennial Campus on April 21, 2023. Students as well as the surrounding community were invited to explore alternative fuel vehicles and grab lunch from a food truck across the street. Some of the vehicles featured at the event included a Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model S, Ford F-150 Lightning, Ioniq Electric, Kia EV6, Kia Niro Electric, Nissan Leaf, Polestar 2, and a Toyota RAV4 Prime.

 

The following day, on Earth Day, NCCETC joined the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, the regional EV Association Chapter, TEVA of NC, and the Triangle Clean Cities Coalition for an electric vehicle showcase booth at the 18th Annual Piedmont Earth Day Fair. Attendees were able to see, feel and sit in EVs from the region while getting answers to questions from EV owners themselves. 

NCCETC’s Clean Transportation program propels the development, awareness and use of alternative fuels and advanced transportation technologies. Our clean transportation program’s outreach and education initiatives include workshops, meetings, conferences and communication campaigns highlighting the benefits of using clean transportation technologies- from alternative fuel to sustainable fleet management.

NCCETC recently published two new resources to support individuals and organizations planning a ride and drive and vehicle display event:

  1. NC Ride and Drive and Vehicle Display Guidebook for the General Public
    • This guidebook provides answers to frequently asked questions about hosting Ride & Drive and Vehicle Display events to target the general public.
  2. NC Ride and Drive and Vehicle Display Guidebook for Specialized Audiences
    • This guidebook provides answers to frequently asked questions about hosting Ride & Drive and Vehicle Display events to target specialized audiences.

NCCETC hosts several Ride & Drive events throughout the year for a variety of audiences. For general audiences, NCCETC hosts Ride & Drive events at public events such as NC State University football games where fans are invited to explore a lineup of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles before kickoff during the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Demonstration & Tailgate event.

Specialized events are held for handpicked audiences. The audience can represent special interest groups such as fleet managers, law enforcement, first responders or emergency management, policy makers, and state and local government personnel. NCCETC’s Clean Transportation Demonstration Days for government entities are one example of these specialized events.

Ride and drive and vehicle display events are one of the biggest opportunities to promote driver awareness and advance the adoption of clean transportation technologies. These events enable interested drivers to experience driving EVs and AFVs, find educational resources, and assimilate a wide variety of information about the vehicles’ operability, handling, availability, costs, environmental benefits, fun factor and more. We hope these event guidebooks will empower others to start hosting ride and drive events in their own communities!

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Vote Now: “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest Polls Open

The polls are open for the “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest – vote now for your favorites!

Vote for your favorite art in each age category (kindergarten through high school). Artwork should focus on actions that people can take to reduce air pollution from vehicles and help keep our air clean. Examples: walking, biking, using public transportation, carpooling, using electric vehicles or biofuels, and more.

Winners in each category will be featured on billboards across the state!

The contest poll closes at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17.

Winners will be announced in June. Stay tuned on nccleantech.ncsu.edu and FuelWhatMatters.org. For more information or any questions, email Amira Ferjani at aferjan@ncsu.edu.

Vote Now to Support a Student’s Artwork→

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DEADLINE EXTENDED: Submit Your Artwork through May 8 for the 2023 “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest

DEADLINE EXTENDED THROUGH MAY 8, 2023

North Carolina students from kindergarten through high school can submit their artwork for a chance to be featured on billboards across the state

Show how you can help keep the air clean for Earth Day this year! Submissions will now be accepted through Monday, May 8 at 11:59pm.

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) has officially launched the 6th Annual “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest, where students in North Carolina from kindergarten through high school can submit their artwork for a chance to be featured on billboards across the state!

Students’ artwork should focus on actions that people can take to reduce air pollution from vehicles and help keep our air clean. Examples include walking, biking, using public transportation, carpooling, using electric vehicles or biofuels, and more. Please make artwork family-friendly, non-partisan and non-copyrighted. You can learn about the alternatives at cleantransportation.org or fuelwhatmatters.org or see examples from past winners and best practices for art submissions here.

Students now have until Monday, May 8 at 11:59 to submit their artwork. Please read the rules below to find out how to submit your artwork. Public voting will begin on Wednesday, May 10 and last through Wednesday, May 17 – stay tuned for a link to vote once submissions have closed!

For more information or questions please email Amira Ferjani at aferjan@ncsu.edu.

Winners will be announced in June. Stay tuned on www.facebook.com/NCCleanTech and www.FuelWhatMatters.org!

View the 2023 Student Art Contest announcement for guidelines and specifications as well as contest rules.

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Stream All 13 Sessions from the 2022 Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series Online Now

Last month the 2022 Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series concluded after bringing together industry experts and top performing fleet managers for 13 webinar sessions over the course of the year. The Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series (SFTWS), now in its 8th year, is offered through a collaborative partnership between the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) and NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA).

The series focuses on sharing real-world use cases and success stories of sustainable fleet operations and strategies. Each webinar session featured in-depth presentations from nationally recognized fleets describing their experience with integrating applications of sustainable fleet technologies and strategies into their fleet as well as the lessons they learned along the way.

“The webinar series showcases the gold standard of fleet sustainability to help others see how clean transportation technologies and practices can fit into their own fleets,” said Heather Brutz, Director of the NCCETC Clean Transportation Program.

Driving Fleet Sustainability and Efficiency

Fleet management is dynamic with constant change, so integration of new strategies and technologies is imperative to stay competitive and meet growing demands of customers. The key to successful deployment of these new strategies and technologies is change management and fostering buy-in on all levels of an organization.

The webinar Creating a Culture for Change & Gaining Buy-In explains the basics of change management and features speakers from top fleets that have created a culture that embraces technology, change and continuous improvement. Panelists included Patti Early, Fleet Fuel Operations Manager at Florida Power & Light; Erin Osterroth, Fleet Services Manager for the City of Medicine Hat in Alberta, Canada; Mark Swackhamer, formerly Director of Transportation for Alvin Independent School District in Texas; and Al Curtis, Fleet Services Director for Cobb County, Georgia.

According to Patti Earley, the objective of change management is not to eliminate resistance to change, but to minimize the impact on achieving the desired goal. “Change management is a structured, planned process at both the individual and organizational levels,” Earley explained.

Among the fastest growing and most promising developments in fleet management is video telematics. Cameras coupled with other sensors and technologies give fleets the potential to achieve improved safety, driver performance and efficiency. This emerging technology and results from real-world fleet applications were explored in Video Telematics Applications & Benefits.

At the 2022 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference, NAFA announced the winners of the 2022 Green Fleet Awards to honor fleets who have enhanced practices to make a positive impact on the environment. Several of the winners joined NCCETC for a SFTWS session – The Best Practices of the Top Green Fleets 2022 – following the announcement.

Rick Sapienza of NCCETC and NAFA’s Chief Executive Officer Bill Schankel joined three of the top five Green Fleets to share their best practices for successful fleet sustainability. “In terms of sustainability, my advice is just to get started,” said Sapienza. “And in terms of applying for the awards, it’s a good exercise- you will certainly learn something new.”

NCCETC is a proud sponsor of the Green Fleet Awards, now in its 15th year of recognizing peak-performing fleet sustainability efforts. The Green Fleet Awards is free to enter and is open to both government and commercial fleets in North America.

Avoiding Potholes On the Road to Fleet Electrification

Public and private fleets across the United States are taking steps to transition away from conventional fuel vehicles, but electrification is a complex and multi-aspect process for fleets with thousands of vehicles or diverse needs. The 2022 SFTWS had several sessions focused on integrating electric vehicle (EV) deployment into long-term fleet planning along with funding opportunities to finance these efforts.

The webinar series kicked off with Integrating Electrification into Fleet Replacement Planning & Right-Sizing. This session covers the basics for identifying candidate vehicles for replacement with a right-sizing analysis to ensure fleets have the optimal number of properly specific vehicles to fulfill their mission.

A fleet right-sizing analysis helps identify when vehicles need to be replaced and how to get the maximum value out of their current assets before replacing them. NCCETC’s Clean Transportation staff is able to provide fleet utilization analyses to help fleets understand utilization across their fleet as a first step in fleet right-sizing.

Several EV deployment cases from fleets leading the way in electrification were presented in Avoiding the Potholes in the Road to Fleet Electrification. Philip Saunders from the City of Seattle spoke of the lessons learned from the city’s transition to EVs so far and their plans for the future. Saunders was joined by Robert Gordon, Deputy Director of Fleet Management at Dekalb County, Georgia. Dekalb’s fleet has over 3600 vehicles – 437 of which are alternative fuel vehicles, according to Gordon.

Another key component of fleet electrification is the charging infrastructure and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) needed to keep EVs running and in service. The Charging Strategies & EVSE Readiness Planning webinar provides an overview of the critical planning required for properly meeting charging needs today, as well as planning for future additions of EVs.

Anne Blair, Policy Director at the Electrification Coalition, shared some of the resources and reflections from the organization’s work on charging deployment throughout the country. Blair discussed challenges and barriers fleets face when electrifying before highlighting how leading fleets have created opportunities to address these obstacles and find solutions.

One example of what worked came from San Antonio where Blink and the city formed a partnership to help alleviate some of the cost hurdles to installing charging stations. “They deployed more than 200 Level 2 charging stations, and 3 DC Fast charging stations throughout the city,” Blair noted. She said that these examples speak to how these partnerships mitigate the high cost of deploying charging infrastructure while also meeting the needs of the communities these chargers are installed in.

SFTWS 2022 also highlighted the use case scenarios where the energy storage capacity of electric vehicle assets could be used for cost avoidance or even a potential revenue stream. Those interested can learn more in The Economic Value Propositions to Make the Business Case for Bi-Directional Charging.

Other session topics featured in the 2022 webinar series included:

To view all of the past webinars and sessions from NCCETC’s Clean Transportation program, Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series, as well as the Sustainable Fleet Technology Virtual Conference series and more, click here.

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center, NAFA Fleet Management Association and The 100 Best Fleets are proud to offer sponsorship opportunities for the online Sustainable Fleet Technology  Webinar Series 2023. Note that there are a limited number of sponsorship opportunities for the SFT Webinar Series.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or learning more about partnership opportunities, please contact Heather Brutz at hmbrutz@ncsu.edu for more information.

Stay tuned for updates about the 2023 Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series online at www.sustainablefleetexpo.com.

Thank you to the sponsors who made the 2022 SFTWS possible.

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NCCETC Project & Program Highlights from 2022: End of Year Review

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2022 was another busy year at the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) as our staff worked with partners in government, industry, academia and other community members to promote and advance the development and use of clean energy in ways that stimulate a sustainable economy while reducing dependence on foreign sources of energy, and mitigating the environmental impacts of fossil fuel use.

Read our synopsis of program and project highlights from NCCETC’s 2022 to catch up.

In January 2022, six students completed a 40-hour Fundamentals of Solar Photovoltaic Design and Installation (FSPV) training course customized by the NCCETC for the Centre for Homeownership and Economic Development. The in-person course covered the fundamentals of the design and installation of a solar photovoltaic system and included a hands-on day where participants installed a grid-tied photovoltaic system. NCCETC also hosted a custom Solar & Clean Energy Fundamentals Workshop for the South Carolina Energy Office Online Program in May 2022. The course was based on the Center’s Certificate for Renewable Energy Management program and, in total, 62 attendees completed the custom course. Learn more about customized training offered by the NCCETC here.

NCCETC staff are working with the NC Department of Commerce and other organizations to find ways to advance offshore wind energy projects in the state, with a focus on economic development and job creation. NCCETC is currently serving as a member for the new North Carolina Taskforce for Offshore Wind Economic Resource Strategies, or NC TOWERS, which was established by Executive Order 218 to affirm North Carolina’s commitment to offshore wind power as the state transitions to a clean energy economy. The Taskforce will provide expert advice to Governor Cooper and state policymakers for developing the state’s offshore wind supply chain, workforce, and infrastructure. NC TOWERS met for its inaugural session on February 3, 2022.

As part of the Energy & Sustainability Services Webinar Series, NCCETC hosted two webinars in 2022. NCCETC’s Energy and Sustainability Services (ESS) is a suite of services from the Center aimed at optimizing sustainability and energy-related objectives for business, industry, government and utilities. The first webinar, Renewable Natural Gas – A Primer on North Carolina’s Biogas Resources, was hosted in March and featured an overview of animal waste anaerobic digestion, the decarbonization of the natural gas supply, and state and federal policies that incentivize development of renewable natural gas projects. View the full webinar recording online for free.

The second ESS webinar brought together NCCETC staff and stakeholders to highlight innovations in managed charging and recent electric vehicle policy trends in the United States in a session titled 50 States of Electric Vehicles and Innovations in Managed Charging. NCCETC’s Senior Clean Transportation Specialist Lisa Poger moderated the panel discussion with Brian Lips of NCCETC, Elaine Jordan of Duke Energy and Jacqueline Piero of The Mobility House. 

Staff from NCCETC’s Clean Power & Industrial Efficiency program conducted a technical and financial feasibility analysis to evaluate the feasibility of an innovative solar plus energy storage installation at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The proposed design concept has a unique feature: the solar installation will float on top of a pond located behind the Fort Fisher Aquarium, taking advantage of underutilized land while allowing for cooling of the solar panels which improves efficiency.

On April 26 and 27 of last year, over 700 clean energy professionals joined the NCCETC for the 2022 State Energy Conference of North Carolina, which returned in-person in Raleigh, NC for the first time since 2019. Attendees were able to be a part of the clean energy discussion over two days of live sessions where they listened to and connected with industry leaders while sharing their own ideas about North Carolina energy’s present and future.

During the second day of the conference, attendees came together to recognize new and existing SolSmart Communities across North and South Carolina who have worked to make it faster, easier and more affordable to go solar in their jurisdictions. The NCCETC served as SolSmart advisors to provide technical assistance to communities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida to help them receive a national SolSmart designation of Gold, Silver or Bronze based on actions across permitting and inspection, planning and zoning, government operations, community management and market development. There are now 19 communities across South Carolina and North Carolina that have achieved SolSmart designation.

NCCETC staff began working with the researchers and analysts behind the Public Utility Data Liberation (PUDL) project in mid-2022 to process and integrate data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) into the project’s dataset for “Machine Readable Clean Energy Standards.” The goal is to compile a programmatically usable database of Renewable Portfolio Standards and Clean Energy Standards policies for quick and easy reference by researchers.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are leading the way with cleaner student transportation in North Carolina. Following their groundbreaking award of VW Settlement funds for a new electric school bus in 2021, the EBCI received notice from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an award for four additional electric school buses in 2022. EBCI will be replacing five diesel school buses with four new electric buses in collaboration with the Cherokee Boys Club (CBC) and the NCCETC. This award marked The Eastern Band as the first tribe east of the Mississippi to be awarded grant funding through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program administered by the EPA.

In August 2022, NCCETC joined a collaborative effort among state government, utility companies, industry and universities to design an advanced microgrid control architecture to ultimately improve the resilience and reliability of the regional grid. The NCCETC staff are supporting the team from UNC Charlotte’s Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), which won a Research Grant entitled “Resilient Community Microgrids with Dynamic Reconfiguration to Serve Critical Loads in the Aftermath of Severe Events” from the U.S. Department of Energy.

At the end of August, the NCCETC welcomed more than 350 registered attendees in Durham, NC for the 2022 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo. The conference showcased the latest and greatest technologies in the biofuels, electric, natural gas and propane arenas – including everything from Progress Solar’s latest mobile solar electric vehicle (EV) charging model to the diverse display of alternative fuel vehicles and other clean transportation technologies.

Stakeholders and end-users came together on a webinar in September 2022 to discuss the role that combined heat and power (CHP) has in advancing sustainable and resilient wastewater treatment plants in Florida and across the region. The webinar – Operating Sustainable and Resilient Wastewater Treatment Plants with Combined Heat and Power – was hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy Southeast Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) based at the NCCETC at NC State University. The full recording is available here.

The NCCETC concluded two projects in October focused on community solar access and achieving resilience benefits for low and moderate-income communities. The projects – Community Solar Access for Low and Moderate-Income Utility Customers, and Achieving Resilience Benefits Through Utility Solar + Storage Deployment in Low-Income Communities – were funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 

Near the end of 2022, the NCCETC announced that it was selected to receive a $1 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) to enable communities to use solar and solar-plus-storage to enhance resilience and prevent disruptions in power caused by extreme weather and other events. This project, titled Resilient Renewable Energy to Diminish Disaster Impacts on Communities (Resilient REDDI Communities), will develop a novel set of resiliency metrics and create a playbook to guide emergency managers and their communities to assess and implement enhanced energy resilience strategies to mitigate the effects of energy loss during a disaster.

To conclude the year, we took a look back on 35 highlights from over the years to kick-off the celebration of NCCETC’s 35th anniversary. For the last 35 years, the Center has worked closely with partners in government, industry, academia, and the non-profit community while evolving to include a greater geographic scope and array of clean energy technologies. As a result of this evolution, the Center has grown into a state agency respected for its assistance to the burgeoning “clean tech” sector in North Carolina, as well as one of the premier clean energy centers of knowledge in the United States.

Thank you for helping us make 2022 a great year!

For a look at our most recent fiscal year accomplishments, review our 2021-2022 Annual Report, which covers NCCETC’s major projects from the last fiscal year along with operating budget statistics and highlights.

To keep in touch monthly with the latest news from the Center and our programs, consider signing up for our newsletters!  Sign up online. 

This end of year review summarizes a few of the project and program highlights that made 2022 a successful year at NCCETC!  We are looking forward to continuing even more important and exciting work in 2023.

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