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The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Electricity (OE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to shape the future planning of its Applied Grid Transformation Solutions (AGTS) program. The initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge grid technologies to enhance the reliability, resilience, security, and affordability of the nation’s electricity infrastructure. Advancing Grid Technology Innovation The AGTS program is focused on testing and validating advanced grid technologies, such as energy storage systems and next-generation transmission and distribution (T&D) equipment, under various environmental conditions. By conducting stress tests and pilot demonstrations, the program reduces risks associated with deploying these technologies and promotes research and development in grid transformation. The program also evaluates demonstration projects and documents best practices, providing the energy sector with crucial data to inform technology deployment. These efforts are designed to support innovation while ensuring that new grid solutions are reliable, secure, and cost-effective before integration into the nation’s power systems. Focus on Grid Test Beds The RFI highlights the importance of domestic test beds—publicly accessible facilities that evaluate the performance, safety, and reliability of T&D grid hardware and software in controlled environments. These facilities play a vital role in advancing technology readiness by replicating real-world conditions to test innovative solutions. The AGTS program plans to leverage U.S.-based test beds to provide industry stakeholders with a coordinated platform for evaluating grid technologies across diverse use cases. Stakeholder input will guide the AGTS program in enhancing its capabilities and fostering collaboration between researchers, industry representatives, and facility operators. The DOE emphasized that insights from the RFI process will help align the program with the evolving needs of the energy sector while promoting secure and sustainable grid modernization. The RFI marks a significant step in the DOE’s commitment to advancing grid technology research and ensuring the future resilience of the U.S. electricity infrastructure. |
