GFO-25-308 - Distributed Clean Hydrogen Production with Onsite End Use (H2ONSITE)

This solicitation funds the design, construction, and operation of a distributed‑scale clean‑hydrogen production system (≤ 5 metric tons per day) that includes on‑site storage and a direct on‑site end‑use such as fuel‑cell refueling, power generation, or hard‑to‑electrify industrial processes. Projects must use 100 % renewable electricity (on‑site generation or bundled RECs), achieve a technology readiness level of ≥ 6, and operate for at least 10 cumulative months. Applicants must provide a minimum 50 % cash or in‑kind match, comply with CEQA, and ensure that ≥ 50 % of CEC funds are spent in California. The award ranges from $2 M to $4 M, with a project term up to March 2030. • Eligible technologies: water electrolysis, renewable‑gas pathways, biomass gasification, etc., producing ≥ 99 % hydrogen purity. • Required deliverables: safety plan, O&M manual, measurement & verification plan, lifecycle and techno‑economic analyses, quarterly progress reports, and knowledge‑transfer activities (≥ 3 % of CEC funds). • Mandatory documentation: CEQA compliance form, commitment/support letters, applicant declarations, and detailed budget adhering to specified cost‑share allocations.