The grid of the future will be one in part powered by solar, storage and vehicle batteries at the edge of the grid — be that behind the meter or in front of the meter on distribution lines. But how to interconnect those distributed energy resources (DER) quickly, safely, and reliably has been the bugaboo of utilities all over the world. No one wants a connected device to cause a disturbance in the grid and therefor interconnection today requires fairly lengthy studies.
Since most states don’t have that much time to meet their decarbonization goals, many are looking for innovative ways to interconnect DER. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is doing just that.
On August 17, NYSERDA announced up to $30 million in funding as part of the third round of the Future Grid Challenge for projects that identify solutions to the technical challenges of integrating renewable resources into the electric grid. Up to $3 million per project is available for single or team providers that propose to study, develop, or demonstrate innovative technologies that support modern transmission and distribution.
Subscribe today to the all-new Factor This! podcast from Renewable Energy World. This podcast is designed specifically for the solar industry and is available wherever you get your podcasts.
Listen to the latest episode featuring Suvi Sharma, CEO of SOLARCYCLE, who breaks down the state of solar recycling.
NYSERDA is seeking proposals that support implementing advanced technologies that can ensure reliability of the grid, reduce cost, and allow for faster interconnection of renewables, while helping the state to meet its ambitious climate goals. This challenge seeks to address high priority grid technologies including:
- Power flow control devices
- Energy storage for transmission and distribution services
- Tools for improving operator situational awareness
- Transformer monitoring
- Advanced high-temperature, low sag conductors
- Compact tower design
- Distribution Energy Management Systems (DERMS)
- Grid impacts from offshore wind interconnection
Solicitation proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. on November 2, 2022. For additional details and associated documents, visit NYSERDA’s website.
Rory M. Christian, CEO of the Department of Public Service, said, “The new technology that will be created [through this program] will help ensure transmission and distribution system reliability, while speeding interconnection of renewables that will assist New York in meeting its nation-leading climate goals.”
The Future Grid Challenge is part of NYSERDA’s Smart Grid Program included in the state’s Clean Energy Fund (CEF) Grid Modernization Program, which is providing a total of $110 million through 2026 to further research, develop, and provide funding for innovative solutions that support the advancement of a smart, modernized electric grid, remove barriers and enable the utility investments necessary for full deployment at scale of advanced technologies for the power grid. Administered by NYSERDA, the Future Grid Challenge offers funding to grid technology companies and research institutions that address challenges ranging from the need for greater real-time system data to incorporating smart technologies and energy storage into power grid planning and operations. Challenges are developed in partnership with the Joint Utilities of New York members Con Edison, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, National Grid, New York State Electric and Gas, Rochester Gas & Electric, and Orange & Rockland.
Together, these utilities provide electric service to over 13 million households, businesses, and government facilities across New York.
