The DOE has unveiled a fresh Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0003136), providing up to $65 million for Connected Communities 2.0. This initiative aims to validate cutting-edge grid-edge technology advancements in real-life scenarios and provide novel tools for utilities, grid planners, automakers, and smart charge management service providers.
This FOA encompasses two primary focus areas:
- Connected Communities, concentrating on grid edge technical strategies in buildings, industry, and transportation to ready the electric grid for anticipated new demands.
- Smart Charge Management, focusing on urban, suburban, and rural usage scenarios to instill confidence in intelligent charging as a viable method for EVs to offer adaptability and worth to the electric grid.
The initial Connected Communities projects, initiated in 2020, emphasized the integration of distributed energy resources to bolster a more fluctuating grid. The 2.0 iteration aims to promote the creation of fresh technologies to guarantee that the grid is adaptable, resilient, and properly sized to cater to escalating demands from EV charging, data centers, and building and industrial electrification. Instances encompass managed EV charging, intelligent panels, energy storage, and rooftop solar.
“It’s essential that we formulate a power system that is reliable, efficient, and flexible, utilizing grid edge technologies,” remarked Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “Connected Communities 2.0 will amplify these endeavors by fostering advancements that can be reproduced in communities throughout the U.S. while ensuring affordability, fairness, and resilience.”
One of the objectives of Connected Communities 2.0 is to exhibit how smart and synchronized management of EVs and other dispersed energy resources can offer grid aid, curtail system expenses, and encourage customer acceptance.
This FOA addresses various facets for exploration, development, and demonstration, including on-the-ground verification of intelligent charge management for EVs that can be executed on a grand scale.
Mandatory concept papers have a deadline of August 20, 2024, while full applications are expected by October 10.
Source: US Department of Energy
