Standardizing PEV batteries could reduce the purchase and ownership costs of PEVS, as well as addressing additional consumer issues such as maintenance and safety. This project includes $150,000 in match funding from San Diego Gas & Electric.

Electricore is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established in 1993 at the request of the US Department of Defense, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop advanced technology.

The award was announced as part of a larger $3,994,121 award package for five research projects. Other projects receiving funding include:

• Foresight Renewable Solutions of San Francisco will receive $1.7 million to demonstrate renewable energy management using a compressed air energy storage system. The system will integrate solar photovoltaic technology to capture solar energy to compress air into above-ground tanks packaged in standard shipping containers. The system will be located at Naval Base Ventura County. The stored, compressed air will be used to generate electricity on an “on demand” basis to meet the facility’s needs, including periods of high demand or grid outages.

  The energy storage system will be deployed and operated within a microgrid context. The system will be connected to the state’s electricity grid and will be capable of operating either independently or in conjunction with the grid, resulting in greater levels of energy security using renewable energy

  This project includes $1,243,570 in match funding from Foresight Renewable Solutions and its project partners the Naval Expeditionary Warfare Center and LightSail Energy.

• University of California, Davis was awarded $900,000 to investigate emissions and leakages within California’s natural gas infrastructure. Measurements will be taken for all significant possible sources of emissions and leaks, including the production, processing, transmission, and distribution of natural gas in buildings, neighborhoods, facilities, and regional settings. The project will help improve estimates of the magnitude and location of emissions and leaks and identify promising areas for mitigation, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased safety of natural gas services.

• Anaergia Services of Carlsbad received $395,121 to demonstrate a process which will convert green waste into renewable natural gas. The conversion process will also produce biochar, a soil amendment that can be used for agricultural purposes. The project includes $437,093 in match funding from Anaergia.

• Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation was awarded $200,000 to conduct aerial surveys to estimate the number and distribution of golden eagles within the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Planning area. Data gathered from the surveys will help assist wildlife conservation efforts related to the development of renewable energy projects in the desert ecosystem.