California Energy Commission

The California Energy Commission serves as the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, established by the Legislature in 1974 and headquartered in Sacramento. Its responsibilities encompass forecasting future energy needs, maintaining historical energy data, and licensing thermal power plants with capacities of 50 megawatts or greater. The Commission promotes energy efficiency by establishing appliance and building standards, collaborating with local governments to ensure compliance. It also supports public interest energy research and the development of renewable energy technologies through various incentives, including those for solar systems in new home construction and small wind installations. Additionally, the Commission implements the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program and coordinates the state's response to energy emergencies. Through these initiatives, the Commission aims to provide Californians with affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy choices.

Courtney Smith

Chief Deputy Director

Jonah Steinbuck

Director

50 past transactions

Next Energy Technologies, founded in 2010 and based in Santa Barbara, California, specializes in transparent energy harvesting window technology. The company's innovative approach allows windows to generate energy from sunlight while maintaining aesthetic appeal and high performance. Their technology is designed to work efficiently even in challenging lighting conditions, and it features coatings integrated directly into dual-pane windows, eliminating additional encapsulation costs. This enables clients to convert windows and glass facades into low-cost, on-site renewable energy sources for buildings. Through its advancements, Next Energy Technologies aims to reshape the landscape of energy production in the built environment.

Sonocharge

Grant in 2023
Sonocharge energy is developing a platform technology that enables a battery to charge. This technology energizes a range of markets such as transportation electric vehicles, e-mobility, electric bikes, scooters, aerospace, electric airplane, and drones.

DasH2Energy

Grant in 2022
DasH2energy is a renewable hydrogen development company, providing hydrogen solutions to the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), Power-to-gas, and Energy Storage markets.

EPRI

Grant in 2022
The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public.

CALSTART

Grant in 2022
CALSTART works with business, fleets, and government to develop and implement clean, efficient transportation solutions. They believe that economic and environmental improvement must go hand-in-hand. They achieve this by focusing on four key activities that together provide the unique combination to support a growing industry.

Gate 5

Grant in 2021
Gate 5 was founded in 2010 when Lisa Heinz, Richard Sherman, and Clifford S. Heinz were presented with the opportunity to acquire a newly developed process for improved management of sewage sludge. In 2011, Steve Delson and Lynn G. Holton were approached to evaluate the technology. The group formed the company, acquired the patent, and set forth a strategy to implement the technology through innovation. The company now operates out of the UCI Beall Applied Innovation Center.

EVmatch

Grant in 2021
EVmatch, Inc. specializes in providing an online application that connects electric vehicle (EV) drivers with private charging stations. Founded in 2016 and based in Redwood City, California, the platform allows individuals and business owners to rent out their underutilized charging stations, creating a peer-to-peer network that enhances the availability of charging options. Users can easily find, reserve, and pay for charging services through the app, streamlining the process and alleviating the challenges of locating available chargers. Additionally, EVmatch's proprietary pricing algorithm estimates the cost of each charging transaction, making the service user-friendly. The platform not only supports the growing number of EVs on the road but also has the potential to offer grid services in the future, such as demand response and energy storage.

Ubiquitous Energy

Grant in 2021
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc. is a Silicon Valley-based company that specializes in the development of transparent solar technology. Founded in 2011 and originally spun out from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the company has created ClearView Power technology, which allows for the selective conversion of ultraviolet and near-infrared light into electricity while permitting visible light to pass through. This innovative approach enables everyday surfaces, such as windows and smart glass, to function as solar panels without compromising their appearance. ClearView Power serves as an energy source for various electronic devices, including wearables, tablets, and digital signage, thereby addressing battery life limitations in mobile devices. Additionally, Ubiquitous Energy has established a strategic development agreement with Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. to further advance its technology in the market.

Salient Energy

Grant in 2021
Salient Energy is focused on the commercialization of a novel zinc-ion battery developed from research at the University of Waterloo. This innovative battery technology is designed for electricity storage in the grid, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Salient Energy's proprietary cathode materials uniquely incorporate zinc into their crystal lattice, resulting in a relatively high energy density. This advancement allows for the use of traditional battery designs compatible with existing manufacturing processes, making it feasible to produce these batteries in current facilities worldwide. Consequently, Salient Energy's products provide a cost-effective, long-lasting solution for energy storage, catering to the needs of electric industry stakeholders.

e-Zinc

Grant in 2020
e-Zn Inc., trading as e-Zinc, is an energy storage technology company that develops electrochemical technology for storing energy in zinc metals. Its Zn reactor products have applications in residential houses, islands, remote communities, third world countries, military bases, mining sites, mobile communities, telecommunication sites, emergency responses, and electric vehicle charging stations. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Toronto, Canada.

Anzode Inc.

Grant in 2020
Anzode Inc. is a manufacturer of advanced batteries, specializing in rechargeable zinc electrode technology. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company focuses on producing environmentally friendly and safe battery alternatives for various applications, including hybrid and electric vehicles, remote power systems, and smart grid systems. Anzode's proprietary technology enhances the performance of zinc anodes, enabling them to cycle at high current rates and endure deep discharges. The company's mission is to provide dependable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, addressing both safety and environmental concerns in the energy storage market.

Coreshell

Seed Round in 2020
Coreshell Technologies is accelerating the world’s transition to electric transportation and renewable energy by solving the key degradation issue in rechargeable batteries. Our breakthrough nanolayer thin-film coating technology protects batteries from degrading chemical reactions and is uniquely capable of seamlessly fitting into existing manufacturing while producing the step change needed in the capacity, safety, and cost of batteries.

CleanSpark

Grant in 2020
CleanSpark is the developer of a patented and revolutionary "stratified" downdraft gasifier.

BoxPower

Grant in 2020
BoxPower Inc. is a social enterprise creating the future of off-grid power and energy resilience. BoxPower’s ecosystem of products rely on modularity, process innovation, and versatile integration from design to operation in order to provide clean, affordable, and reliable energy, anywhere. BoxPower has worked in locations from Alaska to Puerto Rico and everywhere in between, serving clients in disaster relief, rural electrification, medical clinics, utilities, remote agriculture, and off-grid commercial. To date, BoxPower has offset more than 28 million pounds of carbon dioxide and is providing power to over 4,000 individuals and businesses.

RePurpose Energy

Grant in 2020
Repurpose Energy provide affordable & sustainable energy storage solutions to enable the renewable energy transition.

Aemetis

Grant in 2020
Aemetis is an advanced renewable fuels and biochemicals company focused on the production of advanced fuels and chemicals through the acquisition, development and commercialization of innovative technologies that replace traditional petroleum-based products by conversion of first-generation ethanol and biodiesel plants into advanced Biorefineries.

Enzinc

Grant in 2019
An advanced battery developer delivering a zinc-based battery using NRL technology: a zinc metal nano-sponge that has the energy of Li-ion, is as cheap as lead acid, but is safer than both.

RePurpose Energy

Grant in 2019
Repurpose Energy provide affordable & sustainable energy storage solutions to enable the renewable energy transition.

P-Kap Systems

Grant in 2019
P-Kap Systems makes a low profile solar roof-top Photo Voltaic tracking system.

DAE Technologies

Grant in 2019
DAE Technologies is a Davis-based energy storage company

ZYD ENERGY

Grant in 2019
ZYD Energy Inc., Davis-based building efficiency company.

Caban

Grant in 2019
Caban Systems, founded in 2017 and based in San Mateo, California, specializes in the design and manufacture of modular lithium-ion energy storage systems. The company focuses on providing software-enabled solutions tailored for telecommunication companies and mobile network operators, particularly in off-grid and weak grid environments. By delivering innovative energy storage options, Caban Systems aims to enhance the reliability and efficiency of telecommunications infrastructure.
Pittsburg Unified School District (PUSD) is a K-12 district located in the community of Pittsburg.
Element 16 Technologies, founded in 2016 and based in Glendale, California, specializes in high-temperature heat energy storage systems aimed at enhancing energy efficiency for commercial and industrial facilities. The company has developed an innovative thermal energy storage technology that utilizes a molten sulfur mixture, replacing traditional molten salts and thermal oils. This advancement allows customers to minimize wasted heat in cogeneration plants, thereby improving overall efficiency and significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Through its solutions, Element 16 Technologies seeks to provide cost-effective energy management options that contribute to sustainability in the energy sector.

Primus Power

Grant in 2019
Primus Power Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in Hayward, California, designs and manufactures advanced electrical energy storage systems, particularly focusing on flow batteries. Its flagship product, the EnergyPod 2, offers flexible capacity ranging from 25 kW to 25 MW, catering to various applications such as peak shaving, bulk energy shifting, renewable energy integration, grid support, and islanding. The EnergyPod provides up to five hours of energy discharge with a lifespan of twenty years, utilizing safe and low-maintenance Zinc Bromine chemistry. Primus Power serves a diverse clientele, including commercial and industrial sectors, data centers, microgrids, and utility customers, with systems deployed both domestically and internationally. The company is recognized for its patented innovations in battery technology, cell design, and system engineering, which contribute to its competitive pricing and reliability.

Oberon Fuels

Grant in 2019
Oberon Fuels Inc. is a San Diego-based company founded in 2010 that specializes in the production of renewable dimethyl ether (DME) fuel. Utilizing a proprietary modular, small-scale process, Oberon Fuels converts various feedstocks, including biogas from organic waste and natural gas, into DME at a rate of 3,000 to 10,000 gallons per day. This innovative production method allows for cost-effective conversion of methane into DME, providing a stable pricing model that is not tied to crude oil fluctuations and is competitive with diesel. The company's technology is designed to be deployed in remote locations and industrial operations, enabling the monetization of waste CO2 streams and supporting the development of regional fuel markets. With increasing emissions regulations and advancements in processing technology, Oberon Fuels aims to lead the commercialization of DME in North America, particularly in the heavy-duty trucking sector, offering a sustainable and low-carbon alternative to traditional diesel fuel.

New Energy Nexus

Grant in 2018
Founded in 2004, New Energy Nexus (formerly the California Clean Energy Fund) is a California-headquartered non-profit organisation that supports venture capital investments in clean energy and renewable companies across North America, Southeast Asia and East Africa.

Ubiquitous Energy

Grant in 2018
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc. is a Silicon Valley-based company that specializes in the development of transparent solar technology. Founded in 2011 and originally spun out from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the company has created ClearView Power technology, which allows for the selective conversion of ultraviolet and near-infrared light into electricity while permitting visible light to pass through. This innovative approach enables everyday surfaces, such as windows and smart glass, to function as solar panels without compromising their appearance. ClearView Power serves as an energy source for various electronic devices, including wearables, tablets, and digital signage, thereby addressing battery life limitations in mobile devices. Additionally, Ubiquitous Energy has established a strategic development agreement with Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. to further advance its technology in the market.
Element 16 Technologies, founded in 2016 and based in Glendale, California, specializes in high-temperature heat energy storage systems aimed at enhancing energy efficiency for commercial and industrial facilities. The company has developed an innovative thermal energy storage technology that utilizes a molten sulfur mixture, replacing traditional molten salts and thermal oils. This advancement allows customers to minimize wasted heat in cogeneration plants, thereby improving overall efficiency and significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Through its solutions, Element 16 Technologies seeks to provide cost-effective energy management options that contribute to sustainability in the energy sector.

StratosFuel

Series B in 2018
StratosFuel is innovating fueling stations by developing a hydrogen infrastructure to better support the future of transportation.

Terzo Power Systems

Grant in 2018
Terzo Power Systems designs and develops energy efficient hydraulic and hybrid systems.

Willdan

Grant in 2017
Founded in 1964, Willdan Group, Inc. is a leading nationwide provider of value-added professional technical and consulting services. The primary markets Willdan serves are: energy; infrastructure and transportation; municipal engineering, planning, and staff augmentation; economic and financial analysis; and homeland security and emergency management. The company serves these four complementary markets through its four service segments — engineering (Willdan Engineering), energy efficiency (Willdan Energy Solutions), public finance (Willdan Financial Services) and homeland security (Willdan Homeland Solutions). Willdan has a reputation for delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. Rooted in Willdan’s corporate culture is its focus on quality customer service. The company has more than 600 employees, including licensed engineers, program and construction managers, financial analysts, planners, and other skilled professionals. Willdan benefits from well-established relationships with local and state government agencies, investor-owned and municipal utilities, and private sector commercial and industrial firms throughout the United States. The company served more than 800 distinct clients in 2013. Headquartered in Anaheim, the company operates from offices in more than a dozen states across the US..

True Zero

Grant in 2017
True Zero is Dedicated to creating a network that provides access to safe, reliable, retail hydrogen. Enabling the widespread adoption of electric fuel cell vehicles..

Envoy Technologies

Grant in 2017
Envoy Technologies Inc. specializes in electric vehicle-sharing services, offering a range of vehicles including luxury cars and two-wheelers for multifamily residences, workplaces, and hotels. The company enhances tenant and guest experiences by providing a comprehensive Mobility as an Amenity™ platform, which includes vehicle reservation technology, driver insurance, fleet maintenance, and electric vehicle charging solutions. Envoy operates in locations such as California and New York, catering to apartments, student housing, office campuses, co-working spaces, hotels, and municipalities. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Culver City, California, Envoy Technologies focuses on delivering innovative onsite mobility services, ensuring a seamless experience for users through customer support, fleet insurance, and on-site training.

StratosFuel

Series A in 2017
StratosFuel is innovating fueling stations by developing a hydrogen infrastructure to better support the future of transportation.
Element 16 Technologies, founded in 2016 and based in Glendale, California, specializes in high-temperature heat energy storage systems aimed at enhancing energy efficiency for commercial and industrial facilities. The company has developed an innovative thermal energy storage technology that utilizes a molten sulfur mixture, replacing traditional molten salts and thermal oils. This advancement allows customers to minimize wasted heat in cogeneration plants, thereby improving overall efficiency and significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Through its solutions, Element 16 Technologies seeks to provide cost-effective energy management options that contribute to sustainability in the energy sector.

Wexus Technologies

Grant in 2015
Wexus Technologies is a utility-scale IoT software company focused on enhancing the global food supply chain. Its cloud-based technology platform allows users to automate labor tasks and reporting while remotely accessing utility billing data and field sensors. By providing insights into energy and water usage, Wexus enables farmers and food processors to optimize resource management, reduce operational expenses, and minimize waste. The company's solutions drive energy and water efficiency, ultimately supporting sustainability in food production.

Proterra

Grant in 2015
Proterra Inc. designs and manufactures zero-emission electric buses, specializing in heavy-duty vehicles that enable fleet operators to reduce operating costs and eliminate fossil fuel dependency. The company’s product lineup includes 35-foot and 40-foot Catalyst transit vehicles, which are built to meet the diverse mileage needs of urban and regional routes on a single charge. Proterra also provides a range of services, including pre-delivery consultations, training programs, mid-life inspections, and battery management services. Their offerings extend to energy services such as fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and telematics. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, Proterra has additional offices in South Carolina and California, and its products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States. By helping customers transition to battery-electric transit solutions, Proterra has contributed to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.

Hydrogenics

Grant in 2015
Hydrogenics Corporation designs, develops, and manufactures hydrogen generation and fuel cell products utilizing water electrolysis and proton exchange membrane (PEM) technologies. The company operates through two main segments: OnSite Generation and Power Systems. The OnSite Generation segment offers hydrogen generation products, including alkaline electrolyzers branded as HySTAT and HyLYZER, which are tailored for both indoor and outdoor applications, primarily targeting industrial customers in need of high purity hydrogen produced on-site. The Power Systems segment provides PEM fuel cell products under the HyPM brand for various applications, including motive power for vehicles and stationary power solutions, catering to original equipment manufacturers and system integrators. Hydrogenics maintains a global presence with operations in Canada, Belgium, and Germany, and distributes its products through a direct sales force and a network of distributors. The company has also partnered with Air Liquide to advance PEM electrolysis technologies. Headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, Hydrogenics has been a subsidiary of Cummins Inc. since September 2019.

Alto Ingredients

Grant in 2014
Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (Pacific Ethanol) is a marketer and producer of low-carbon renewable fuels in the Western United States. Pacific Ethanol markets all the ethanol produced by four ethanol production facilities located in California, Idaho and Oregon, or the Pacific Ethanol Plants, all the ethanol produced by three other ethanol producers in the Western United States and ethanol purchased from other third-party suppliers throughout the United States. It also markets ethanol co-products, including wet distiller’s grains and syrup (WDG), for the Pacific Ethanol Plants. The Company holds a 34% ownership interest in New PE Holdco LLC (New PE Holdco), the plant owners, which collectively own the Pacific Ethanol Plants. The Company's ethanol customers are integrated oil companies and gasoline marketers who blend ethanol into gasoline. In July 2012, it acquired an additional 33% ownership interest in New PE Holdco LLC, the owner of the Pacific Ethanol plants

Aemetis

Grant in 2014
Aemetis is an advanced renewable fuels and biochemicals company focused on the production of advanced fuels and chemicals through the acquisition, development and commercialization of innovative technologies that replace traditional petroleum-based products by conversion of first-generation ethanol and biodiesel plants into advanced Biorefineries.

Crimson Renewable

Grant in 2014
Crimson Renewable Energy is California’s largest producer of high-quality, ultra-low carbon biodiesel and a leading participant in the future of advanced biofuels and transportation fuels. We provide highly reliable delivery and superior customer service combined with flexible contract structures for duration and pricing. Crimson also provides the flexibility and financial dependability that is highly valued by its supply chain partners.

Primus Power

Series C in 2014
Primus Power Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in Hayward, California, designs and manufactures advanced electrical energy storage systems, particularly focusing on flow batteries. Its flagship product, the EnergyPod 2, offers flexible capacity ranging from 25 kW to 25 MW, catering to various applications such as peak shaving, bulk energy shifting, renewable energy integration, grid support, and islanding. The EnergyPod provides up to five hours of energy discharge with a lifespan of twenty years, utilizing safe and low-maintenance Zinc Bromine chemistry. Primus Power serves a diverse clientele, including commercial and industrial sectors, data centers, microgrids, and utility customers, with systems deployed both domestically and internationally. The company is recognized for its patented innovations in battery technology, cell design, and system engineering, which contribute to its competitive pricing and reliability.

Enzinc

Grant in 2014
An advanced battery developer delivering a zinc-based battery using NRL technology: a zinc metal nano-sponge that has the energy of Li-ion, is as cheap as lead acid, but is safer than both.

Tesla

Grant in 2012
Tesla, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, leases, and sells electric vehicles and energy generation and storage systems globally, including in the United States, China, and Europe. The company operates in two main segments: Automotive and Energy Generation and Storage. The Automotive segment offers a range of electric vehicles, including sedans and SUVs, and provides electric powertrain components and related services through its service locations and mobile technicians. It sells its vehicles through company-owned stores and its website. The Energy Generation and Storage segment focuses on energy storage solutions, such as lithium-ion battery systems for homes and commercial applications, and includes the design and installation of solar energy products. Tesla also offers vehicle insurance and promotes renewable energy solutions. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, the company aims to accelerate the world’s transition to electric mobility by expanding the availability and affordability of electric vehicles.

Propel Fuels

Grant in 2012
Propel Fuels, Inc. operates a network of fuel stations in California and Washington, focusing on providing diesel, renewable fuels, and flex fuels. Founded in 2004, the company is headquartered in Sacramento, California, and has retail stations in various cities, including Seattle and Mount Vernon in Washington, as well as numerous locations throughout California. Propel Fuels also offers CleanDrive, an integrated platform that tracks carbon emissions reduction, helping consumers understand the environmental impact of their fuel choices. The company aims to empower drivers by making clean, American-made fuels easily accessible, thereby promoting both economic and environmental benefits. Through its initiatives, Propel Fuels seeks to encourage a shift towards cleaner fueling options and reduce reliance on imported oil.

Propel Fuels

Grant in 2010
Propel Fuels, Inc. operates a network of fuel stations in California and Washington, focusing on providing diesel, renewable fuels, and flex fuels. Founded in 2004, the company is headquartered in Sacramento, California, and has retail stations in various cities, including Seattle and Mount Vernon in Washington, as well as numerous locations throughout California. Propel Fuels also offers CleanDrive, an integrated platform that tracks carbon emissions reduction, helping consumers understand the environmental impact of their fuel choices. The company aims to empower drivers by making clean, American-made fuels easily accessible, thereby promoting both economic and environmental benefits. Through its initiatives, Propel Fuels seeks to encourage a shift towards cleaner fueling options and reduce reliance on imported oil.

Propel Fuels

Grant in 2010
Propel Fuels, Inc. operates a network of fuel stations in California and Washington, focusing on providing diesel, renewable fuels, and flex fuels. Founded in 2004, the company is headquartered in Sacramento, California, and has retail stations in various cities, including Seattle and Mount Vernon in Washington, as well as numerous locations throughout California. Propel Fuels also offers CleanDrive, an integrated platform that tracks carbon emissions reduction, helping consumers understand the environmental impact of their fuel choices. The company aims to empower drivers by making clean, American-made fuels easily accessible, thereby promoting both economic and environmental benefits. Through its initiatives, Propel Fuels seeks to encourage a shift towards cleaner fueling options and reduce reliance on imported oil.

eTec

Grant in 2009
With a history in electric transportation that dates back to 1989, Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (eTec), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECOtality, works on research, development and testing of advanced transportation and energy systems. Specializing in alternative-fuel, hybrid and electric vehicles and infrastructures, eTec is committed to developing and commercially advancing clean electric technologies with clear market advantages. eTec’s flagship product Minit-Charger™ - fast battery charging systems designed for electric vehicles, airport ground support equipment and material handling applications - allows for faster charging with less heat generation and longer battery life than conventional chargers.

Primus Power

Grant in 2005
Primus Power Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in Hayward, California, designs and manufactures advanced electrical energy storage systems, particularly focusing on flow batteries. Its flagship product, the EnergyPod 2, offers flexible capacity ranging from 25 kW to 25 MW, catering to various applications such as peak shaving, bulk energy shifting, renewable energy integration, grid support, and islanding. The EnergyPod provides up to five hours of energy discharge with a lifespan of twenty years, utilizing safe and low-maintenance Zinc Bromine chemistry. Primus Power serves a diverse clientele, including commercial and industrial sectors, data centers, microgrids, and utility customers, with systems deployed both domestically and internationally. The company is recognized for its patented innovations in battery technology, cell design, and system engineering, which contribute to its competitive pricing and reliability.
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