DOE awards $620m in funding for smart grid demonstration projects
25th November 2009
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is to award $620m in funding for projects to demonstrate advanced smart grid technologies and integrated systems.
The 32 demonstration projects awarded include large-scale energy storage, smart meters, distribution and transmission system monitoring devices, which will act as models for deploying integrated smart grid systems on a broader scale.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding will be leveraged with $1bn in funds from the private sector to support more than $1.6bn in total smart grid projects nationally.
‘These demonstration projects will further our knowledge and understanding of what works best and delivers the best results for the smart grid, setting the course for a modern grid that is critical to achieving our energy goals,’ said Energy Secretary Steven Chu.
‘This funding will be used to show how smart grid technologies can be applied to whole systems to promote energy savings for consumers, increase energy efficiency, and foster the growth of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power,’ he added.
An analysis by the Electric Power Research Institute estimates that implementing smart grid technologies could reduce electricity use by more than four per cent by 2030.
The funding awards are divided into two areas, with half of the awarded projects receiving funds totalling $435m going to support fully integrated, regional smart grid demonstrations in 21 states. The other half of awards will receive $185m to help fund utility-scale energy storage projects that will enhance the reliability and efficiency of the grid such as advanced battery systems, flywheels, and compressed air energy systems.
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