Incentive

Support California’s $15 Million Incentives for Natural Refrigerants

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NASRC is calling on our members and partners to demonstrate support for the proposed $15 million allocation to refund the California Air Resources Board (CARB) F-gas Reduction Incentive Program (FRIP) for the 2021-22 California budget (see page 9). Without strong demonstrated support from the industry, the proposed funding is at risk of redistribution to other initiatives. 

FRIP was established as part of the California Cooling Act (SB 1013) to alleviate the financial burdens associated with ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and was allocated $1 million under California’s 2019-20 fiscal year budget. The initial round of funding provided grants for 13 natural refrigerant projects, which NASRC coordinated under our Aggregated Incentives Program (AIP), see all awarded projects here.

Though the first round of funding demonstrated the potential of the program, it only scratched the surface of offsetting the significant cost burden California food retailers face in transitioning away from HFCs. With the capital cost of replacing a supermarket refrigeration system averaging over $1 million, replacing the roughly 4,000 supermarket locations in California equates to $4 billion in capital equipment costs that must be paid by food retailers operating in the state. This cost burden is only expected to increase with increasing regulatory pressures at the state and federal levels.

What’s Needed?

Given adequate funding renewed over a multi-year period, FRIP’s proven framework could go a long way in supporting the transition, but there is no guarantee that the proposed allocations will be approved. While we are pleased to see such a significant increase in the proposed budget compared to the first round, we are concerned that the money could be redistributed to other initiatives if the California legislature does not hear from the industry.

To that end, NASRC has prepared a template letter of support to help our members and partners demonstrate support for the funding. Our goal is to protect and increase the funding allocations in this and subsequent budget cycles so that FRIP can continue to support California food retailers and also provide a blueprint for other states to follow.  

If you are interested to submit a letter of support, please contact us for a template and instructions for submission.

Call for California Pilot Sites to Test New Technologies

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NASRC is seeking retailer participants to pilot advanced refrigeration technologies in natural refrigerant system and equipment installations. Through the Aggregated Incentives Program, NASRC is partnering with national research institutions and local utilities interested in validating the energy performance of advanced refrigeration technologies.

Eligible pilot sites include new construction or existing store projects with planned installations in the next 12 – 18 months. NASRC is seeking locations in California in the short term but will be expanding efforts nationally in the future. All pilot projects will receive free energy measurement and verification services and may also be eligible for funding support through the AIP pilot.

Please contact NASRC (info@nasrc.org) for more information and a list of participating OEMs and equipment manufacturers.

Apply Now! AIP Preliminary Application Open

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We are pleased to announce that the preliminary funding application for our AIP Pilot is now open! This is the first of two steps to receive funding for natural refrigerant projects in California under the AIP Pilot, and will be used to assess project eligibility and estimated funding support.

California Retailers: Apply now to access streamlined funding for projects that incorporate natural refrigerants! 

Program Resources

AIP Overview & Eligibility 
Under the AIP Pilot, NASRC will coordinate funding from multiple sources through a streamlined application process. AIP will be piloted in California in conjunction with CARB's F-gas Reduction Incentive Program. Read more about the program here and review the AIP eligibility requirements here. 

Program Guidelines
Please review the program guidelines for more information on the eligibility criteria, funding process, and participation requirements of the AIP Pilot. Other program materials are available here.

Technology Showcase
Our AIP Webinar Series was launched to help retailers prepare by highlighting natural refrigerant technologies that support low-GWP compliance and are potentially eligible for funding. Check out the upcoming webinars or watch webinar recordings here. 

Low-GWP Incentives in California: What’s Next?

The California Cooling Act (SB 1013) was signed into law on September 13th, 2018. The bill directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish a statewide incentive program for the installation of technologies using low-GWP refrigerants. 
 
There is one more critical step in this process. Funds for the incentive program must still be allocated by the legislature. Without support from our industry, the funding for incentives is at risk and may not be included in the State’s budget. 
 
Take action today to ensure funding for the low-GWP incentive program by:

  1. Submitting a letter of support to fund the incentive program. Contact NASRC staff for template language. 

  2. Attending CARB’s upcoming workshop on October 24th, 2018 to express comments of support.

  3. Signing up for the NASRC Incentives Task Force to stay informed on incentive activities and opportunities.

NASRC to Present Natural Refrigerant Seminar And Live CO2 Demo

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Thursday, January 10th, 1PM - 4:30PM (networking reception to follow)
Danfoss Headquarters, Baltimore, MD


On January 10th, the NASRC will present a free seminar, which will provide an overview of natural refrigerant applications in supermarkets, and why they are considered a "future-proof" alternative to HFC refrigerants. Gain insight into refrigerant regulations and how they will impact the supermarket industry. Learn about the latest natural refrigerant technology trends, barriers, and solutions to accelerate adoption.

This informative session will feature a special focus on CO2 technologies, an update on CO2 standard development, and live demonstration of a CO2 transcritical system. 

Agenda

  • Natural refrigerant options for supermarkets, advantages, challenges, and case studies

  • Incentives for low-GWP refrigerants 

  • Refrigerant regulations at international, federal, and state level 

  • Update on the IIAR CO2 standard for commercial refrigeration 

  • Technology advances & automated controls 

  • Live demonstration of CO2 transcritical system  

Attendees will include food retail end-users, service contractors, educators, utilities, policy makers, NGOs, and environmental stakeholders.

A networking reception sponsored by CoolSys and Danfoss will follow the seminar.

This event is generously hosted by Danfoss. 
Space is limited and registration is required.

Thank you to our sponsors!

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