DISRUPTIVE DC CONVERTERS FOR GRID RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE TO DELIVER SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SBIR/STTR (DC-GRIDS SBIR/STTR)
ID: 357028Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (DOE-ARPAE)

Award Range

$314K - $5M

Eligible Applicants

Small Businesses

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Additional Information

https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov
Timeline
    Description

    The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) is offering a funding opportunity for the development of disruptive direct current (DC) converters aimed at enhancing grid resilience and supporting sustainable energy initiatives through the Disruptive DC Converters for Grid Resilient Infrastructure (DC-GRIDS) program. This initiative seeks proposals that focus on innovative technologies for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) macrogrids, facilitating efficient power routing and flexible interconnections with existing alternating current (AC) systems. The program is critical for addressing current technological barriers in the U.S. power grid, with an estimated funding allocation of approximately $38 million to support 10-12 projects, with individual awards ranging from $314,363 to $4,505,859. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time on December 10, 2024, and can direct inquiries to ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) issued by the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) seeks proposals for the development of disruptive direct current (DC) converters for enhancing grid resilience and supporting sustainable energy initiatives. This initiative, termed the Disruptive DC Converters for Grid Resilient Infrastructure (DC-GRIDS) program, is aimed at fostering innovative technologies essential for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) macrogrids, enabling efficient power routing and flexible interconnections with existing alternating current (AC) systems. ARPA-E plans to allocate approximately $38 million to fund around 10-12 projects, with funding levels ranging from $314,363 to $4,505,859. The program is structured around two technical categories: the development of novel modular power electronic valves and the design of advanced multi-terminal converter stations. Key objectives include reducing converter capital costs, enhancing power density, and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. Through this funding opportunity, ARPA-E emphasizes collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and utilities to overcome current technological barriers and establish a more resilient and efficient U.S. power grid by 2028. Queries regarding the NOFO can be directed to specified email addresses within ARPA-E, ensuring applicants receive timely information regarding applicability and submission processes.
    Similar Opportunities
    Realize Energy-rich Compound Opportunities Valorizing Extraction from Refuse waters (RECOVER)
    Active
    Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy
    The Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Realize Energy-rich Compound Opportunities Valorizing Extraction from Refuse waters (RECOVER)" aimed at developing technologies to recover high-value energy materials from aqueous waste streams. The program seeks to concentrate and recover materials such as ammonia and critical metals from various waste sources, including municipal wastewater and oil and gas flowback, with the goal of enhancing U.S. energy security and significantly reducing energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. With an estimated total program funding of $36 million, ARPA-E plans to award between $1.5 million and $4 million to approximately 16 projects, and interested applicants must submit their proposals through the ARPA-E eXCHANGE platform by December 31, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. For further inquiries, applicants can contact ARPA-E at arpa-e-co@hq.doe.gov.
    SPURRING PROJECTS TO ADVANCE ENERGY RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE SWIFTLY (SPARKS)
    Active
    Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy
    The Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) is offering a funding opportunity titled "SPURRING PROJECTS TO ADVANCE ENERGY RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE SWIFTLY (SPARKS)" aimed at supporting innovative energy research and development projects. This grant program encourages the submission of transformative ideas that can lead to significant advancements in energy technologies, with a focus on projects that have the potential to create new learning curves and disrupt existing markets. With an estimated total program funding of $10 million, individual awards can range from $0 to $500,000, and the application process requires registration and submission through the ARPA-E eXCHANGE platform. Interested applicants should note that the application deadline is September 30, 2029, and for further inquiries, they can contact ARPA-E at arpa-e-co@hq.doe.gov.
    HARMONY: Human-Centric Analytics for Resilient & Modernized Power sYstems
    Active
    National Energy Technology Laboratory
    The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is offering a funding opportunity through the "HARMONY: Human-Centric Analytics for Resilient & Modernized Power Systems" initiative, aimed at enhancing grid reliability and resilience in the face of uncertainties in the energy sector. This initiative seeks to support research and development projects that improve risk metrics and uncertainty quantification in power systems, with a focus on fostering technological innovations that address challenges such as renewable energy integration and cybersecurity. The total funding available for this program is approximately $6.25 million, with individual awards averaging $1.25 million, and interested applicants must submit concept papers by January 27, 2025, with full applications due by March 20, 2025. Eligible applicants include domestic universities, non-profit research institutions, and DOE Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and they are encouraged to partner with electric sector stakeholders to ensure industry relevance. For further inquiries, contact Todd C. Zandier II at Todd.Zandier@netl.doe.gov or call 412-386-9204.
    SEEDING CRITICAL ADVANCES FOR LEADING ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES WITH UNTAPPED POTENTIAL (SCALEUP) READY
    Active
    Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy
    The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) is offering a funding opportunity under the Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy Technologies with Untapped Potential (SCALEUP) Ready program, aimed at supporting the scaling of high-risk energy technologies that have previously received ARPA-E funding. This initiative emphasizes the importance of translating bench-scale achievements into commercially viable solutions while fostering collaboration with commercialization partners to enhance market viability. With an anticipated funding pool of approximately $50 million per fiscal year, eligible applicants include organizations holding patents on inventions conceived during ARPA-E awards, and applications are accepted continuously until amended. For more information, interested parties can visit the ARPA-E website at https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov or contact ARPA-E CO at ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov.
    Realize Energy-rich Compound Opportunities Valorizing Extraction from Refuse waters (SBIR/STTR)
    Active
    Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy
    The Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Realize Energy-rich Compound Opportunities Valorizing Extraction from Refuse waters (SBIR/STTR)" aimed at small businesses. This initiative seeks to develop innovative technologies for concentrating and recovering high-value energy materials, such as ammonia and critical metals, from aqueous waste streams, thereby enhancing U.S. energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The program is significant as it addresses the need for sustainable recovery methods that can replace imports of these materials while also lowering energy demand. Interested applicants can apply for funding ranging from $1.5 million to $4 million, with a total estimated program funding of $36 million and an expected 16 awards. The application deadline is December 31, 2024, and further details can be found on the ARPA-E eXCHANGE website or by contacting ARPA-E CO at arpa-e-co@hq.doe.gov.
    Energy Storage Pilot Demonstrations
    Active
    Headquarters
    The Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Energy Storage Pilot Demonstrations," aimed at funding pilot-scale technology demonstrations for non-lithium energy storage solutions. The program's objectives include advancing diverse non-lithium energy storage technologies towards commercial viability, generating operational datasets, and building confidence among investors and utilities in the proposed solutions. With an estimated total program funding of $100 million, the grant will provide awards ranging from $5 million to $20 million, and applications are due by February 13, 2025. For further inquiries, interested applicants can contact Christine P. Castell at 240-306-4703 or via email at christine.castell@hq.doe.gov.
    Algorithms for Modern Power Systems
    Active
    National Science Foundation
    The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering a grant opportunity titled "Algorithms for Modern Power Systems" aimed at supporting research projects that develop advanced mathematical and statistical algorithms to enhance the security, reliability, and efficiency of the modern power grid. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the NSF's Division of Mathematical Sciences and the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity Delivery & Energy Reliability, highlighting the importance of innovative solutions in the energy sector. The program has an estimated total funding of $2 million, with a minimum award amount of $300,000 and an expected ten awards to be granted. Interested applicants should note that the application deadline is February 10, 2025, and can reach out to NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov for any inquiries.
    Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas – Fiscal Year 2025 Release
    Active
    Headquarters
    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a funding opportunity titled "Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas – Fiscal Year 2025 Release," aimed at supporting clean energy projects in communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer. This initiative, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, seeks to lower energy costs, enhance access to clean energy, and promote environmental sustainability through various eligible activities, including improving energy systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With a total funding pool of $400 million, applicants can request between $2 million and $50 million, and must submit concept papers by February 27, 2025, with full applications due by August 28, 2025. For more information, interested parties can contact Margaret A. Davide-Smith at 240-306-4964 or via email at margaret.davide-smith@hq.doe.gov, and additional details can be found on the OCED Funding Opportunity Exchange website.
    Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor Pathway to Deployment
    Active
    Headquarters
    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor Pathway to Deployment," aimed at advancing the deployment of Generation III+ Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the United States. This initiative seeks applications from U.S. commercial electric utilities, with the potential for collaboration with reactor vendors and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, to address barriers in the domestic nuclear industry and promote energy security and sustainable infrastructure. The program has a total funding allocation of $900 million, with up to $800 million available for first mover teams and an additional $100 million for supporting initiatives, and applications are due by January 17, 2025. Interested applicants can reach out to Farwa Nawaz at farwa.nawaz@hq.doe.gov or Patrick J. Martin at Patrick.martin@hq.doe.gov for further information.
    Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Program
    Active
    Headquarters
    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Program, aimed at advancing integrated carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. This initiative seeks to support projects that demonstrate significant improvements in the efficiency, effectiveness, cost, and environmental performance of carbon capture technologies across various applications, including power and industrial sectors. The program is part of a broader effort to enhance the commercial viability of carbon capture solutions and contribute to the U.S. climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with up to $1.3 billion available for approximately 10 projects, covering 50-80% of project costs based on the topic area and phase. Interested applicants, particularly small businesses, must submit concept papers by March 1, 2025, and full applications by July 1, 2025; for further information, contact Cory S. Silva at cory.silva@hq.doe.gov or visit the OCED eXCHANGE website.