OE Grid Galaxy - April Edition

Message from Gene:

Happy Earth Month!

As the Office of Electricity (OE) continues working to ensure the Nation’s electricity delivery system is secure and resilient, it is only fitting we take a moment to honor the month devoted to our planet!

We also reflect on the event that captivated millions around our nation – the total solar eclipse. While this phenomenon was awe-inspiring, it prompted us to contemplate the impact on our energy and electricity endeavors.

The total solar eclipse served as a great reminder of the complex interplay between nature and technology in our pursuit of energy sustainability and electricity infrastructure improvements. As solar energy production momentarily decreased during the eclipse, we witnessed firsthand the importance of diversifying our energy sources and strengthening storage and grid resilience to mitigate potential disruptions in the future.

I am proud to say that OE remains steadfast in the commitment to enhancing grid stability, promoting renewable energy integration, and advancing technological innovations that empower us to harness the potential of renewable energy. We strive to ensure our energy infrastructure remains adaptable and resilient in the face of every dynamic environmental phenomenon.

Whether it’s fostering grid modernization, promoting renewable energy integration, or bolstering the security of grid controls and communications, your insights and collaboration are invaluable as we work together to build a brighter, more resilient future for generations to come.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to our continued collaboration ahead!

In partnership,

Watt’s New at DOE

DOE Awards $15M to Launch Innovations for Long Duration Energy Storage Earthshot

The DOE announced the selectees of $15 million in awards at the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Council Summit on April 8, 2024. These awards are through the Storage Innovations 2030: Technology Liftoff funding opportunity announcement (FOA) to advance energy storage innovations to help deliver clean, affordable electricity to Americans when and where it is needed most.

LDES Summit Highlights

Assistant Secretary Gene Rodrigues delivered keynote remarks at the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Council Summit on April 8th. During his remarks, A/S Rodrigues announced selectees of $15 million in awards through the Storage Innovations 2030: Technology Liftoff (SI Liftoff) funding opportunity and underscored the importance of LDES breakthroughs to propel the future of clean energy and deliver cost-effective solutions for our nation’s electricity needs.

Welcoming Back Bill Parks

OE is thrilled to welcome back William (Bill) Parks as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Grid Controls and Communications Division. Bill brings to DOE an abundance of knowledge and experience in clean energy technology, policy, and regulatory development.

Upcoming Events

DOE Direct Current Circuit Breakers Workshop

We look forward to you joining us on May 1, 2024, at the?Direct Current Circuit Breakers Workshop to discuss the role and key barriers of direct current circuit breakers in the deployment of High Voltage Direct Current systems, and how DOE can help bridge these gaps through insights from stakeholders, industry leaders, and researchers.

The workshop is from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET at the DOE Forrestal Building.?

The deadline for foreign national registration is April 16. Please RSVP by April 23?to secure your spot (limited seating available). Register today!

Energy Storage Safety and Reliability Forum

Sponsored by OE's Energy Storage Program, the Energy Storage Safety and Reliability Forum, hosted at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's (PNNL) in Richland, WA, will focus on the current state of energy storage safety and reliability. It will also identify additional R&D efforts to advance the DOE roadmap for energy storage. The forum, May 14-May 16, 2024, will also examine key challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions for improving the safety and reliability of energy storage systems. Register here.

In Case You Missed It

**Updated** U.S. Department of Energy Announces $18 Million for Flexible, Innovative Transformers

The full application deadline has been extended two weeks to encourage and facilitate industry engagement in this Funding Opportunity Announcement for $18 million funding opportunity for Flexible Innovative Transformer Technologies (FITT). Through this funding opportunity announcement, DOE will select up to nine awardees who are able to research, develop, and demonstrate advanced transformers across a range of distribution to transmission scale applications, improving grid reliability and easing transformer supply chain constraints.

April 26, 2024, at 5 p.m., ET is the new submission deadline for full application.

Did you know?

April 18 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day. Electrical lineworkers install, remove, maintain, and repair high-voltage and low-voltage distribution lines and associated equipment and facilities. The training for an apprenticeship takes an average of 7,000 hours to complete.

Next time you see a lineworker, thank them for ensuring our access to reliable electricity!