HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today awarded nearly $2 million in Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants (AFIG) to four successful applicants for their innovative alternative fuel technology projects.

"I am particularly pleased to be awarding GE Transportation $1 million to demonstrate their natural gas dual fuel technology," Corbett said. "Such innovation is key in finding even more benefit from Pennsylvania's abundant shale formations." 

"In addition, three other innovation projects represent great opportunities to diversify our fuel portfolio, as well as maximize energy efficiencies for electric vehicle deployment," Corbett said.

In addition to GE's demonstrating of a dual fuel locomotive, the innovative projects include upgrading technology for recharging electric vehicles and hydrogen fueling stations, and design and testing of natural gas retrofit kits for gasoline direct injection engines. 

Those eligible to apply for the 2013 AFIG round, which ran May 25 through July 26, included non-profit agencies, for profit companies, commonwealth or municipal authorities, and local transportation organizations. 

Applications were accepted for innovation in alternative fuel transportation, including non-road vehicles, such as natural gas-powered trains or marine vessels.

AFIG grants were also awarded on Nov. 7 to 33 businesses, counties and organizations converting or purchasing 351 natural gas vehicles and 337 propane vehicles. An estimated 15 new fueling stations and 30 existing stations will be supported by these vehicles.

AFIG grants are an annual solicitation, providing financial incentive for a variety of transportation projects with the result of reducing air emissions in Pennsylvania. DEP will announce the focus of the next round, expected to open in spring 2014.

To learn more about AFIG and Act 13 grant programs, visit www.dep.state.pa.us and click on the "Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program" button on the homepage. 

Media contact: Amanda Witman, DEP, 717-787-1323

Editor's note: The four companies awarded innovative alternative fuel technology projects are listed below, alphabetically by county, with a brief project description and funding amount.

Centre County
EC Power will be developing design software for enhanced lithium ion vehicle batteries The improved design of these batteries will enable a more than 50 percent improvement in fuel efficiency of electric vehicles in the upcoming years - $400,000.

Erie County
GE Transportation will be demonstrating a natural gas/diesel dual fuel technology for a GE locomotive. The outcome of the project will determine the viability of liquid natural gas (LNG) as a locomotive fuel - $1 million.

Lehigh County
Air Products will deploy a next phase pilot demonstration of a hydrogen fueling technology in Lehigh County to fuel the next generation of to fuel cell vehicles - $209,046.

Washington County
FYDA Freightliner will develop a natural gas retrofit kit for gasoline direct injection engines - $375,000.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection