US DoE backs accelerated integration of solar with USD 25m of grants

The US Department of Energy (DoE) said on Monday it will grant a total of USD 25 million (EUR 21.6m) in funds to projects aimed at accelerating the integration of solar energy into the grid.

The Energy Department will extend financing through a scheme called Enabling Extreme Real-Time Grid Integration of Solar Energy (ENERGISE). The programme will support the development of 10 to 15 software and hardware solutions that will help utilities manage solar and other distributed energy resources on the grid.

The funding programme has two topic areas. The first one concerns near-term projects that seek to develop commercially-ready, scalable distribution system planning and real-time grid operation solutions compatible with current grid infrastructure to enable the deployment of solar at 50% of the peak distribution load by 2020. The second area is for projects focused on developing technologies enabling solar at 100% of the peak distribution load by 2030.

Those interested in participating will have time until June 17 to submit concept papers. The deadline for submission of full applications is August 26, while the expected date for EERE (Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy) selection notifications is December 9, 2016.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.865)

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