Advanced Power Flow Control and Dynamic Line Rating software included in projects selected to receive DOE funding
November 20, 2023
The US Department of Energy has announced that four projects have been selected for funding to deploy grid enhancing technologies (GETs) that will improve grid reliability, optimize existing grid infrastructure, and support connection of renewable energy. The GETs that will be primarily used are Advanced Power Flow Control (APFC) such as SmartValve, Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR) and Digital Twin technologies.
Grid enhancing technologies have gained increasingly more recognition in the US over the past few years, especially in terms of their role in enabling better use of the existing grid. So much so that the Department of Energy (DOE) launched a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) in February specifically for accelerating the deployment of GETs. The recipients of this funding were announced by the DOE on 13 November for four projects that will use APFC, DLR and Digital Twin technologies. The US Department of Energy’s official release is available here.
These projects will deploy these GETs in multiple states across the US, aiming to optimize infrastructure in existing rights of way, while also facilitating renewable resource interconnection and market access by improving the reliability and efficiency of power transfer. Some of the projects will combine different GETs to harness the powerful synergies that exist when used together. For example, DLR identifies spare capacity above the static line limits, and APFC redirects power flows to utilize this available capacity and provide other dynamic services.
“There’s no one ‘fix all’ solution to delivering on a net zero grid so it’s great to see projects like these that involve multiple GETs as part of the same project. This will show how these technologies can work together to deliver operational benefits and cost savings for utilities and ultimately lower costs for consumers,”
Ted Bloch-Rubin, Director of Business Development, Americas at Smart Wires
Smart Wires also offers SUMO, a state-of-the-art dynamic line rating software developed by a Transmission System Operator, that provides system-wide dynamic ratings to identify spare grid capacity above static limits. Powerful synergies exist when DLR such as SUMO is combined with APFC such as SmartValve, providing multiplier effect which enables much more renewable energy to flow on the existing grid infrastructure, improves resiliency, and solves many other critical grid challenges.
The projects will be delivered in 2024.
Selection for award negotiations is not a commitment by DOE to issue an award or provide funding. Before funding is issued, DOE and the applicants will undergo a negotiation process, and DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection for any reason during that time.
About Smart Wires
Smart Wires is the world’s leading grid enhancing technology and services provider. We quickly solve bottlenecks and grid issues to create extra capacity and provide advice on the policies, market design and solutions critical to creating the digital grid. Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Smart Wires has a global workforce of visionary, tenacious industry-leading experts spread across four continents. Together we are paving the way to energy certainty, on a global scale. Working with our customers, industry partners, policymakers and regulators, we are transforming the grid into a digital, secure and accessible platform capable of delivering net zero, new business models, jobs and prosperity.
The US Department of Energy recently announced the second round funding opportunity under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program, calling for project concept paper submissions by January 2024. If you are interested in collaborating with Smart Wires on a submission, please reach out to Ted Bloch-Rubin at ted.blochrubin@smartwires.com.
For press related purposes, please contact us at marketing@smartwires.com.
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