$30.5 Million in Funding Available to California Grocers

Apply to the F-Gas Reduction Incentive Program today

Funding to transition to climate-friendly refrigeration systems is available now through the California Air Resources Board’s F-Gas Reduction Incentive Program (FRIP). Apply now at www.FRIPfunding.com before funding runs out!

The HFC Problem

Hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants are super-polluting greenhouse gases (GHGs) and one of the most potent drivers of climate change. HFCs have a disproportionate impact on global warming in the near term, making their mitigation significantly more urgent than other GHGs. They’re also the most common refrigerant in retail food refrigeration and cooling systems.

Grocery refrigeration is one of the most impactful and cost-effective opportunities to reduce HFC emissions. The average grocery store uses large quantities of HFC refrigerant and leaks a significant amount of its total refrigerant charge annually.

Fortunately, climate-friendly refrigerant alternatives exist. Refrigerants with ultra-low-global warming potential (GWP), such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, and propane, are the most climate-friendly alternatives to HFCs and offer a future-proof solution.

A High Expense for Independent Grocers—Incentives Help Defray Costs

Transitioning to ultra-low-GWP refrigerants requires a complete system replacement—a barrier for many independent grocers. With increasing state and federal regulations driving the transition from HFCs, now is the time to upgrade your refrigeration systems. Ultra-low-GWP refrigerants are exempt from most current regulations, so investing in these sustainable solutions will “future-proof” your systems and break the cycle of costly refrigerant transitions.

FRIP offers funding to early adopters who replace high-GWP refrigeration systems with ultra-low-GWP refrigeration technologies. Incentives differ by refrigeration sector and scale with the size and scope of the replacement.

Eligibility and Funding Amounts

To be eligible for FRIP funding, the proposed project must be located in an existing California-based refrigeration facility with at least one system containing more than 50 pounds of high-GWP refrigerant. Program applicants must not pre-purchase equipment or receive funds from other California programs targeting low-GWP refrigerants, among other conditions. To learn more about the program, visit http://www.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/FRIP. To review the complete eligibility requirements and submit an application, visit http://www.fripfunding.com/.

FRIP offers higher incentives to facilities in low-income and disadvantaged communities and independent food retailers.

Apply Now

To apply, visit www.FRIPfunding.com and create an account. Then, log in, enter your project information, and submit your application by January 31, 2025. If approved, you must sign the Technical Grant Agreement before ordering equipment. All installations must be complete by December 31, 2026.

The nonprofit North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) administers the program and is available to provide technical assistance to applicants. Contact program staff at info@fripfunding.com or (833) 852-3747 to receive assistance.

This is a first come, first served program, so apply today!

FRIP is funded partially through the State of California’s General Fund and partially through California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.

This post is sponsored by the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council.