Electric Farm Vehicles as Reliable Grid Assets
Summary
SCH Number
2022080262
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Electric Farm Vehicles as Reliable Grid Assets
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/11/2022
Document Description
The project will develop high power discharge capabilities for a battery-electric agricultural tractor, deploy and integrate bidirectional chargers with existing on-farm electrical service points, and manage charging and loads in several grid integration use cases. Bidirectional charging and vehicle grid integration use cases will be tested in a laboratory environment and at two demonstration sites. The project will lead to ratepayer benefits including increased renewable penetration from solar deployed on farms, providing backup power to critical loads, and lowering costs by shifting load.
Contact Information
Name
Peter Chen
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Energy Resources Specialist III
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Arroyo Grande, Helm, Livermore
Counties
Alameda, Fresno, San Luis Obispo
Regions
Statewide
Cross Streets
Las Positas Road
Zip
94551
Other Information
Other locations:
16729 W Floral Ave Helm 93627 Fresno
3031 Lopez Dr Arroyo Grande 93420 San Luis Obispo
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15301
Reasons for Exemption
California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301 provides that projects which consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, and which involve negligible or no expansion of use are categorically exempt from CEQA. This project is exempt under Cal. Code Regs., tit 14, section 15301 because work will be conducted at existing facilities. Specifically, the bidirectional charging capabilities for the battery-electric agricultural tractor will be developed and tested at an existing industrial facility in Livermore. The modified tractors will be operated on existing agricultural land, including a ranch in Helm and vineyard in Arroyo Grande. To support the demonstration, minor alterations including electrical modifications will be done at existing utility service points to install electric vehicle charging equipment. For these reasons, the project will have no significant effect on the environment and fits within section 15301.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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