$31M for Grid Simulation Software and Market Tools for Grid Operators

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) recently announced the Solar Technologies’ Rapid Integration and Validation for Energy Systems (STRIVES) funding opportunity, which will provide up to $31 million for research, development, and demonstration projects to improve power systems simulation software tools.  These tools are intended to demonstrate new business models for distribution systems operations to integrate and optimize the value of inverter-based resources (IBRs) and distributed energy resources including solar generation, wind generation, energy storage, and other technologies such as buildings and electric vehicles.

The large-scale deployment of clean energy technologies is driving a transition to a digitally controlled, decentralized, and distributed electric grid that will require coordination of large numbers of diverse and geographically dispersed assets. New operational tools and methods are needed to coordinate these assets while maintaining a reliable, resilient, and secure electric grid.

The clean energy transition also introduces new stakeholders to electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, which creates opportunities for new organizational models to provide equitable access and participation in electricity markets.

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is part of a collaborative effort by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to issue multiple FOAs totaling more than $100 million for field demonstration projects and other research to support better planning and operations of the electric grid.

Prior to submitting a full application for this opportunity, a mandatory concept paper is due on July 25 at 5 p.m. ET.  DOE will host an informational webinar on June 10 at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the funding program and the areas of focus.

_{Source:  U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)}

--------------------------------------------

Upcoming conferences organized by SGO:

5th EV Charging Infrastructure Summit - North America, July 15-17, 2024 | Chicago

19th Microgrid Global Innovation Forum, September 24-25, 2024 | Oakland

4th V2G Business, Policy and Technology Forum, October 22-24, 2024 | Detroit

Virtual Power Plant Forum, November 12-13, 2024 | San Francisco