US EPA lists retrofit SCR systems as “emerging technologies”, accepts grant applications
22 July 2008
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched the Emerging Technology Program (ETP), which supports the development and commercialization of new diesel emission control technologies. The program is a part of the EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign.
Two retrofit selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems were listed as emerging technologies:
- Johnson Matthey’s SCRT-1000—A urea-SCR system combined with the CRT diesel particulate filter. The system is applicable to model year (MY) 1994-2002 on-highway, 4-cycle, 250-500 hp heavy-duty diesel engines. The system is listed to provide a 65% reduction of NOx and a 90% reduction of PM emissions.
- Nett Technologies’ BlueMAX—A urea-SCR system for mobile nonroad diesel engines, such as those used in construction equipment. The system is applicable to Caterpillar MY 1996-2008 engine models 3306, 3116, and 3406 in the 75-450 kW power range. The listed NOx reduction efficiency is 65%.
An emerging technology status was also granted to a marine engine upgrade kit by Caterpillar, applicable to MY 1984-2008 Caterpillar 3500 mechanical unit injector marine engines above 750 hp.
The EPA plans to award approximately $3.4 million in grants to establish projects using the above emerging technologies to reduce emissions from existing fleets of highway and nonroad diesel engines. State, local, regional and tribal governments may apply for the grants, as well as non-profits and institutions with transportation, educational service, and air quality responsibilities. Emerging technology manufacturers must partner with an eligible applicant to receive this funding. Grant proposals must be submitted by September 21, 2008. The final awards will be announced in December.
Under the new program, an emerging technology is a diesel emission control device or strategy that has not been verified or certified by EPA or the California Air Resources Board (ARB). To qualify as an emerging technology, manufacturers must submit an application for verification and a test plan to EPA or ARB. The program can be considered a form of conditional verification, which quantifies the emission reductions and allows for commercial sales of the system before the durability demonstration and testing requirements of the verification program are satisfied. Manufacturers of the emerging technologies are expected to complete testing and obtain full verification within two years.
Source: US EPA (Press release | Emerging technology list | RFP)