Log in | Subscribe | RSS feed

What’s New

US EPA lists retrofit SCR systems as “emerging technologies”, accepts grant applications

22 July 2008

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched the Emerging Technology Program (ETP), which supports the development and commercialization of new diesel emission control technologies. The program is a part of the EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign.

Two retrofit selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems were listed as emerging technologies:

An emerging technology status was also granted to a marine engine upgrade kit by Caterpillar, applicable to MY 1984-2008 Caterpillar 3500 mechanical unit injector marine engines above 750 hp.

The EPA plans to award approximately $3.4 million in grants to establish projects using the above emerging technologies to reduce emissions from existing fleets of highway and nonroad diesel engines. State, local, regional and tribal governments may apply for the grants, as well as non-profits and institutions with transportation, educational service, and air quality responsibilities. Emerging technology manufacturers must partner with an eligible applicant to receive this funding. Grant proposals must be submitted by September 21, 2008. The final awards will be announced in December.

Under the new program, an emerging technology is a diesel emission control device or strategy that has not been verified or certified by EPA or the California Air Resources Board (ARB). To qualify as an emerging technology, manufacturers must submit an application for verification and a test plan to EPA or ARB. The program can be considered a form of conditional verification, which quantifies the emission reductions and allows for commercial sales of the system before the durability demonstration and testing requirements of the verification program are satisfied. Manufacturers of the emerging technologies are expected to complete testing and obtain full verification within two years.

Source: US EPA (Press release | Emerging technology list | RFP)