F-gas Reduction Incentive Program (FRIP): Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration (Window 2)

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), in collaboration with the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC), has launched the second round of its F-gas Reduction Incentive Program (FRIP) targeted at Commercial and Industrial (C&I) refrigeration projects. This program is part of California Climate Investments, an initiative that deploys Cap-and-Trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment. The initiative specifically focuses on encouraging the transition to low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial and industrial settings, a sector that significantly contributes to climate pollution through the use of high-GWP fluorinated gases. FRIP Round 2 offers a total of $38.5 million in funding to support the adoption and installation of climate-friendly refrigeration technologies in California. This funding is aimed at reducing emissions from commercial and industrial refrigeration systems through the installation of equipment using ultra-low-GWP refrigerants. Eligible expenditures include the purchase and installation of new refrigeration systems or equipment that significantly reduce or eliminate the use of high-GWP refrigerants. The program also outlines technical requirements for equipment and performance, including timelines for ordering and installing refrigeration systems to qualify for reimbursement. The second application window for this solicitation opened on March 3, 2025, and will close on March 31, 2026. All application materials and required corrections must be submitted by May 15, 2026. Installation of refrigeration equipment must be completed no later than January 1, 2027, and final installation of systems must be completed by April 1, 2027. All reimbursement requests and Final Status Updates must also be submitted by April 1, 2027. Applications must be submitted through the official FRIP web portal, and awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. As a result, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible during the application window to increase their chances of receiving funding. NASRC is providing support services to applicants, including assistance with determining eligible technologies, project scoping, obtaining competitive bids, and completing the FRIP application. Interested parties may contact NASRC via email at [email protected] or call 833-852-FRIP for personalized assistance. The program requires that grantees report all project changes through Quarterly Status Updates and adhere to deadlines strictly unless formally extended by CARB and NASRC due to extenuating circumstances. While the grant does not appear to require a cost-sharing or matching component, applicants must follow strict procurement and installation protocols. Equipment ordered prior to the grant agreement execution is not eligible for reimbursement. Technical Grantees must submit documentation, such as purchase orders, by January 1, 2027, and must ensure full system installation and request reimbursement by April 1, 2027. Late or incomplete submissions may jeopardize eligibility for reimbursement. This solicitation is expected to recur based on language in the guidelines and the structuring of multi-phase windows. The program’s structured deadlines and forward-looking planning suggest that future rounds may follow similar timelines, though specific dates will be published in future solicitations or updates by CARB. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to monitor the FRIP Resources Page for updates and additional materials, including guidelines, addenda, and quantification tools.

Submit early — awards are first come, first served.