OE Grid Galaxy - February Edition

Message from Gene:

As we join together to celebrate National Black History Month, all of us here in the Office of Electricity (OE) and across the Department of Energy (DOE) share in the observation President Biden made in his recent Presidential Proclamation that: “…the vibrancy of Black history and culture has enriched every aspect of American life.”

The President’s reflection upon Black Americans’ contributions to our way of life is certainly true in the case of the technological and operational advancements that make our nation’s power system second-to-none. America’s clean energy future couldn’t be brighter, thanks in no small part to the tremendous efforts and outsized achievements of Black American scientists, engineers, and other energy professionals working across DOE (including at our National Laboratories) and throughout our country’s energy industry.

On a personal note, it is not lost on me that a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects all Americans is imperative to equitably addressing the pressing climate and energy challenges of today. This is a truth that resonates not just in February, but throughout every month of the year. That is why I was so proud to join my colleagues for the recent launch of the DOE - University Consortium for an "Equitable, Affordable & Resilient Nationwide Energy System Transition" (EARNEST), where experts, stakeholders, and community members from across North America collaborated on ensuring a sustainable energy future for all.

Our commitment to equity in education also includes our partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (along with other Minority-Serving Institutions) to foster climate and environmental science research and training capacity focused specifically on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and energy literacy.

After reading this month’s message, I hope you can understand why I remain so excited about America’s energy future. There’s just no limit to what we can achieve together!

In partnership,

OE Initiatives

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

We recently announced a $18 million Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to develop Flexible Innovative Transformer Technologies. These advanced transformers will enable grid operators to immediately address grid issues, ensuring a more reliable grid.

“As we advance a 21st-century electric grid to power America’s communities, next generation improvements to transformer designs will ensure that low-cost clean energy is abundant and available for everyone,” said Gene Rodrigues, Assistant Secretary for Electricity. “More flexible and adaptable grid components will increase grid resilience at a lower cost and reduce supply chain challenges facing the utility sector.”

In Case You Missed It

USEA Virtual Press Briefing

Assistant Secretary Gene Rodrigues joined Llewelyn King and other Energy Experts for USEA's Virtual Press Briefing on 'Tough Times, Hard Choices in Store for Utilities This Year'.?Discussion topics included grid reliability, preparing for inclement weather, and DOE's investments in research and development for the utility industry. Watch the full briefing here.?

Energy Transition Summit Highlights

The Energy Transition Summit took place in Arlington, Virginia Feb. 5-8, and focused on grid modernization and clean energy cybersecurity. Read more here.

Did you know?

Lewis Latimer innovated the design of carbon filaments used in incandescent light bulbs, significantly improving the bulb's efficiency and making electric lighting more accessible and affordable.?

OE follows in the footsteps of pioneers like Latimer, pursuing values that include resilience, affordability, and energy justice.

Lewis Latimer

September 4, 1848 - December 11, 1928