Investing in Alternative Fuel Infrastructure: Insights for California from Stakeholder Interviews: Preprint

Conference · Mon Mar 13 00:00:00 EDT 2017

OSTI ID:1347196

Melaina, Marc; Muratori, Matteo; McLaren, Joyce; Schwabe, Paul

Increased interest in the use of alternative transportation fuels, such as natural gas, hydrogen, and electricity, is being driven by heightened concern about the climate impacts of gasoline and diesel emissions and our dependence on finite oil resources. A key barrier to widespread adoption of low- and zero-emission passenger vehicles is the availability of refueling infrastructure. Recalling the 'chicken and egg' conundrum, limited adoption of alternative fuel vehicles increases the perceived risk of investments in refueling infrastructure, while lack of refueling infrastructure inhibits vehicle adoption. In this paper, we present the results of a study of the perceived risks and barriers to investment in alternative fuels infrastructure, based on interviews with industry experts and stakeholders. We cover barriers to infrastructure development for three alternative fuels for passenger vehicles: compressed natural gas, hydrogen, and electricity. As an early-mover in zero emission passenger vehicles, California provides the early market experience necessary to map the alternative fuel infrastructure business space. Results and insights identified in this study can be used to inform investment decisions, formulate incentive programs, and guide deployment plans for alternative fueling infrastructure in the U.S. and elsewhere.

• Research Organization: NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States))
• Sponsoring Organization: California Energy Commission (CEC)
• DOE Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 1347196
• Report Number(s): NREL/CP-5400-67617
• Conference Information: Presented at the Transportation Research Board 96th Annual Meeting, 8-12 January 2017, Washington, D.C.
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
alternative fuels
expert elicitation
infrastructure deployment barriers
investment risk
transportation infrastructure
ZEV