GRID RELIABILITY WITH AUTOMATIC DAMPING AND INERTIA FOR ELECTRICAL NETWORKS AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS SBIR/STTR (GRADIENTS SBIR/STTR)
ID: 358208Type: 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

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358208

Additional Information

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

    The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) is soliciting proposals for the GRADIENTS program, which aims to enhance grid reliability through innovative technologies that facilitate the integration of renewable energy. This program, under Notice No. DE-FOA-0003555, focuses on developing intelligent inverter-based resources, smart relays, and real-time optimization algorithms to address challenges such as insufficient inertia and damping in electrical networks. With approximately $30 million in funding available, ARPA-E expects to issue between 6 to 15 awards, and interested applicants must submit concept papers by February 14, 2025, with funding decisions anticipated by July 2025. For more information, applicants can visit the ARPA-E eXCHANGE website or contact ARPA-E at ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    GRADIENTS.pdf
    The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) aims to solicit proposals for the GRADIENTS program, focusing on enhancing grid reliability via innovative technologies that support renewable energy integration. This program, under Notice No. DE-FOA-0003555, offers approximately $30 million in funding, expecting to issue between 6 to 15 awards. The GRADIENTS program encompasses three technical categories: Flexible Renewable Generation, Intelligent Automatic Relays, and Wide-Area Real-Time Control Co-Design (RT-CCD). These categories target the development of intelligent inverter-based resources capable of improving grid controllability, smart relays with enhanced sensing functions, and real-time optimization algorithms for energy and load allocation. The program addresses challenges like insufficient inertia and damping provided by conventional generators, interoperability of IBRs (Inverter-Based Resources), and the need for new market mechanisms. By advancing these technologies, the initiative aims to modernize grid infrastructure, reduce blackout risks, enhance energy security, and promote renewable energy usage. Applications must demonstrate robust technical collaboration and are encouraged to leverage existing data from partners within the energy sector. The deadline for concept paper submissions is February 14, 2025, with anticipated funding decisions expected by July 2025.
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