Clean Transportation Program Hydrogen Infrastructure Project Opportunity (HIPO)

This grant funding opportunity aims to deploy hydrogen refueling infrastructure for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty on-road fuel cell electric vehicles in California. The California Energy Commission (CEC), through its Fuels and Transportation Division and Clean Transportation Program, is soliciting applications from qualified entities to develop and construct hydrogen refueling stations that support the growing hydrogen fuel cell vehicle market.

Applicants must submit comprehensive project proposals including project narratives, detailed scopes of work, budgets, team resumes, letters of commitment from partners, and supporting documentation. The proposal must demonstrate project readiness, including environmental review (CEQA compliance), site control, and station design specifications. Additional requirements include renewable hydrogen sourcing documentation, data collection using the NREL Data Collection Tool, and letters of support from relevant stakeholders.

Key deadlines include a questions deadline of May 7, 2026, at 5:00 pm for clarifications on the solicitation materials. A pre-application workshop is scheduled for April 23, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (remote access only) to provide guidance on the application process and program requirements. The final submission deadline is June 19, 2026, at 11:59 pm via the Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS) portal.

Applications must include past performance references, applicant declarations, letters of intent for purchase orders, and completed project readiness and station checklists. Evaluation will consider project readiness, hydrogen infrastructure deployment impact, benefits to priority populations, and applicant qualifications. All submissions must comply with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and demonstrate financial viability and technical feasibility.