U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced more than $55 million in funding for vehicle technology advancements while touring the newest vehicle technologies at the Washington Auto Show last week. One specific topic is focused on the development of alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) workplace safety programs.

Gaseous alternative fuels have unique and unusual safety aspects that must be considered when designing or upgrading facilities such as garage maintenance facilities, fueling operations, and parking structures. Building designers, safety officials, and decision makers that are misinformed or unfamiliar with these fuels are often confronted with unnecessary or impractical construction proposals and budget estimates that prevent AFVs from being seriously considered.

Teams responding to this topic will provide safety training and guidance related to maintenance and garage facility upgrades and building modifications that will support the use of alternative fuel vehicles and facilities with natural gas, propane, and hydrogen vehicle refueling infrastructure.

DOE will fund cost-shared projects with private industry, national laboratories, and university teams. For more information and application requirements, please visit the EERE Exchange website or Grants.gov.

The Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy accelerates development and deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality. Learn more about the Energy Department's broader efforts to develop affordable, efficient fuel cell and hydrogen technologies on EERE's Hydrogen and Fuel Cells page.