Solar Technologies’ Rapid Integration and Validation for Energy Systems (STRIVES)
Funding Agency:
- Department of Energy
The research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities to be funded under this FOA will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies, which are critical for climate protection. Specifically, SETO’s Rapid Integration and Validation for Energy Systems (STRIVES) FOA will fund RD&D projects to improve power systems simulation software tools and demonstrate new business models for distribution systems operations to integrate and optimize the value of inverter-based resources (IBRs) and distributed energy resources (DERs), including solar, wind, energy storage, and other technologies such as buildings and electric vehicles (EVs).2 This FOA is part of a collaborative effort announced in a Notice of Intent released by EERE to issue multiple FOAs totaling over $100 million for field demonstration projects and other research to support better planning and operations of the electric grid.3
The large-scale deployment of IBRs and other DERs, such as electric vehicles/electric vehicle supply equipment (EV/EVSE), buildings, and other clean energy technologies, is changing the characteristics of power grid operations. Traditional operations of power systems are based on a centralized approach where electricity is generated in one location and transmission lines carry the power flow to the distribution system and then to the users. With the introduction of IBRs, the traditional centralized power grid is transitioning to a more decentralized and distributed grid that will require coordination of large numbers of diverse and geographically dispersed IBRs, DERs, and other clean energy technologies. Furthermore, utility-scale PV systems, microgrids, rooftop PV systems, and commercial and industrial solar energy systems generate different amounts of electricity at variable times. Coordinating the operations of these assets is crucial to ensure alignment of supply with demand and maintain grid reliability.
The transition to a digitally controlled, decentralized, and distributed grid will require novel methods for grid operations. These methods will take into consideration multiparty ownership and management of thousands of digitally controlled assets such as IBRs and DERs, including smart EV charging and home and building energy management systems. Furthermore, new operation methods are needed to ensure reliability and security at the device, plant, and system levels for T&D grids.
Beyond technical and operational challenges, the clean energy transition is also introducing new stakeholders who have not traditionally played a role in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. These new stakeholders include non-utility DER asset owners and operators of different solar installations, such as community microgrids, aggregators, and virtual power plants (VPPs).19 The role of the end customer will be vital as they adopt and actively manage more clean energy technologies. Involvement of these nontraditional stakeholders is creating opportunities for new distribution systems operator (DSO) models to provide equitable access and participation in electricity markets.20
Projects funded under this FOA will develop software tools to accurately represent solar IBRs to increase confidence in modeling of power systems. In addition, projects will experiment with design, implementation, and field demonstration of novel DSO models that consider technology development and demonstration as well as the roles and responsibilities of nontraditional stakeholders in potential distribution electricity services and markets.
Informational Webinar: 6/10/2024 1 p.m. ET
Award Ceiling: $3,000,000
31,000,000
10/17/2024 5 p.m. ET
All questions and answers related to this FOA will be posted on EERE eXCHANGE at: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov. You must first select the FOA Number to view the questions and answers specific to this FOA. EERE will attempt to respond to a question within three (3) business days unless a similar question and answer has already been posted on the website.