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CEC and Noord-Holland to Collaborate on Transportation Energy Projects

March 11, 2015 by Jeff Shepard

The California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Province of Noord-Holland of the Netherlands signed an agreement today to exchange information and collaborate on innovative transportation energy projects that further their respective 2050 greenhouse gas reduction and clean energy goals. Under the agreement, the two governments will exchange information and work together on identifying successful and economical models for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including charging solutions for multi-unit dwellings; integrating renewable energy with transportation infrastructure such as SolaRoad, a Netherlands project that will convert sunlight on roads into electricity; and zero-carbon-emission public transportation concepts.

“This is an exciting partnership with our friends in the Netherlands who, like California, are leading the way in transportation energy policy and technology innovations that are helping to meet our shared climate and clean air goals,” said Janea A. Scott, lead commissioner on transportation for the California Energy Commission.

“California is the e-Mobility leader in the U.S.,” said Vice-Governor Elisabeth Post of the Province of Noord-Holland. “The Province is very pleased to be connected with California and is more than willing to share our leadership experiences with SolaRoad and Smart Mobility.”

E-Mobility refers to electric vehicle technology, while Smart Mobility refers to sustainable and accessible transportation systems. Peter van Deventer, Diplomatic Liaison and Director of Coast to Coast e-Mobility, on behalf of the Province of Noord-Holland, and Commissioner Scott signed the agreement in a formal ceremony at the Energy Commission’s Business Meeting held in Sacramento.

Both California and the Netherlands, in particular the Province of Noord-Holland, are leaders in transportation technology in their continents. Coast to Coast e-Mobility is a public-private partnership that promotes knowledge and innovation exchange between the U.S. and Dutch governments and universities. The agreement arose after a meeting between Commissioner Scott and Vice-Governor Post held in October 2014.