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DOE Launches Challenge to Seek Innovative Ideas for Improving the Electric Grid’s Use of Technology and Practices

Contest to Award $1 Million for Ideas That Advance the Resilience and Reliability of the Nation’s Bulk Power System

Washington, DC – Today, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Electricity, Bruce J. Walker, announced the launch of the “Electricity Industry Technology and Practices Innovation Challenge,” a contest that seeks innovative ideas on how to modify or replace existing procedures and practices to improve grid operations, with the goal of making the nation’s electric grid stronger and more resilient.  Furthermore, industry, academia (including students), and other innovators are encouraged to submit ideas for developing technologies and solutions that can address new and evolving vulnerabilities, counter emerging threats, and mitigate cross-sector dependencies.

“A secure and resilient power grid is vital to national security, a strong economy, and the services that Americans rely on every day,” said Assistant Secretary Walker. “This Challenge will leverage America’s wealth of innovation for the next wave of technologies and solutions that will lead to a more reliable and resilient electric grid.” 

Proposed technologies should enhance the planning, construction, or operations of the bulk power system.  Technologies that incorporate fuel delivery infrastructure for generation (including hydropower) will also be considered, as long as those have a direct and substantial effect on the reliability and resilience of the bulk power system. A total of $1 million will be awarded to up to 25 selectees.  The due date for submitting an application is April 30, 2019.  Potential participants must register by April 26, 2019 to receive access to the Challenge Submission Portal.

This Challenge builds on DOE’s efforts with the private sector and academia to continue advancing the resilience and reliability of the nation's critical energy infrastructure. 

More information on the Electricity Industry Technology and Practices Innovation Challenge is available .  More information about DOE’s efforts to ensure the nation’s critical energy infrastructure is secure and able to recover rapidly from disruptions is available .