The NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) has successfully completed the process for the Piedmont and Coastal NC Clean Communities Coalition to become a U.S. Department of Energy-designated coalition in the Clean Cities and Communities partnership. The Coalition will provide clean energy and alternative fuel resources to communities within 57 counties located in Central and Eastern North Carolina. Through the Coalition’s initiatives, NCCETC will be working with private and public stakeholders in those counties to reduce transportation related emissions, increase economic development, and improve public health.

The Clean Cities and Communities partnership was created to enhance the nation’s energy, economic, and environmental security. By convening partnerships between public and private stakeholders, Clean Cities and Communities coalitions share resources pertaining to alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies that lead to a reduction in fuel use and related air pollution. 

Senior Clean Transportation Specialist Alrik Lunsford is the new Director of the coalition. He says, “There is a critical need for cleaner transportation solutions and advanced transportation technologies across communities in Eastern and Central North Carolina. These technologies improve air quality and spur economic development. The Piedmont and Coastal North Carolina Clean Communities look forward to stepping in to assist in helping private and government entities alike meet their needs through partnerships that reduce transportation-related emissions and costs.”

Alrik Lunsford leads the Coalition and has been committed to achieving the full designation throughout the rigorous process. The first step to achieving full designation was to complete apprenticeship pathway requirements by establishing a group of organizations willing to pledge their commitment to the Coalition’s mission. Those organizations submitted internal letters of support or enrolled to join the Coalition as stakeholders. Nine of those stakeholders agreed to serve on the Coalition’s advisory committee. The advisory committee meets quarterly and helps foster the mission and vision of the Coalition to achieve a sustainable energy economy through education, demonstration, and by providing support for clean transportation and advanced vehicle technologies.

The Coalition will help entities residing throughout the jurisdictional boundaries in the Piedmont region of North Carolina improve air quality, achieve cost savings, and work towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Piedmont and Coastal NC Clean Communities Coalition covers the following 57 counties:

The Coalition offers technical assistance to local and regional governments, businesses, agencies, community members, and others interested in adopting clean transportation technologies. Additional initiatives include conducting trainings, workshops, and webinars about procuring alternative fuel vehicles, idle reduction equipment, and advanced vehicle technologies. The Coalition will also assist entities in applying for funding opportunities. Alternative fuel vehicle demonstrations, displays and ride-and-drive events will also continue to be planned across the Coalition territory.

The first official event of the Piedmont and Coastal NC Clean Communities as a fully designated coalition took place at the Altec Creedmoor facility in March 2025 and was organized by the Coalition and the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments. County managers, commissioners, council members, and local officials attended the event and observed a demonstration of Altec’s new Jobsite Energy Management System (JEMS). Participants also went on a tour of the Altec facility and saw the company’s manufacturing processes first-hand.

The next Coalition event will be a Clean Transportation Demonstration Day, taking place on May 21, 2025, at the Piedmont Dragway in Julian, North Carolina. Attendance is limited to government, utilities, and military fleet decision-makers and they will learn about all alternative fuel vehicles and sustainable fleet technologies including idle reduction, off-site charging, mobile charging, and more. NCCETC is currently seeking volunteers to bring alternative fuel vehicles to display. Volunteers that bring vehicles to display do not have to be affiliated with a government agency or utility. Those interested in attending or exhibiting should register here.

In August, the annual Sustainable Fleet Technology (SFT) Conference will be held at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem. This is the first time the event will be held in Winston-Salem, part of an effort to bring these educational and networking opportunities to the Piedmont region. The SFT conference is a source of on-the-ground experience for increasing efficiency and resiliency, while reducing emissions and costs. Each year, leading fleets and technology providers come together to showcase innovative transportation technologies, fuels, and trends. Conference tracks have been announced and session topics will be released later this month. Registration is currently open for attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors. Those who register prior to July 11, 2025 will receive an “early bird” discount. Learn more about the conference at https://www.sustainablefleetexpo.com/.

The Piedmont and Coastal NC Clean Communities look forward to combating climate change, reducing pollution, investing in clean transportation practices, and providing workforce opportunities to entities in Central and Eastern NC as a now fully designated coalition. Stay updated on Coalition events and initiatives by visiting https://www.fuelwhatmatters.org/.