The California Energy Commission approved more than $83.7 million in grants and loans for 46 energy-related projects, including a number of projects involving alternative fuels.

Nearly $9 million in grants was approved for three awardees in Poway, the City of Industry, and Milpitas to encourage the manufacturing of alternative fuel vehicles and vehicle components in California that are designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, displace petroleum fuel demand, and stimulate economic development, according to the commission.

In addition, a $3.4 million grant was awarded to Viridis Fuels, LLC to construct and operate a biodiesel production facility in Oakland, Calif. This facility is expected produce up to 20 million gallons of biodiesel annually from fats, oils, and grease.

About $3.4 million in grants were also awarded for research and development activities to increase operating efficiency and value of advanced ignition systems and fueling infrastructure for natural gas vehicles.

The California Energy Commission also approved a 2015-2016 investment plan update for its Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP), which develops and deploys innovative technologies that transform California's fuel and vehicle types to help attain the state's climate change goals. The annual investment plan update determines priorities and opportunities for the program, describes how funding will complement existing public and private efforts, and guides funding decisions, according to the commission.