Energy Department announces results of Grid Modernization Lab Call

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced Wednesday the results of the 2019 Grid Modernization Lab Call, which aims to strengthen, transform and improve the resilience of energy infrastructure.

The 2019 Grid Modernization Lab Call provides approximately $80 million in funding to 23 projects over three years. It is the most recent solicitation by the Grid Modernization Initiative (GMI) and focuses on developing projects in resilience modeling, energy storage and system flexibility, advanced sensors and data analytics, institutional support and analysis, cyber-physical security and generation.

Scientists from DOE’s national labs and industry and university partners will collaborate on the projects. At least two of DOE’s five applied science offices will sponsor each project.

“In order to continue growing our economy and strengthening our national security, we need to invest in projects that bolster the reliability and resiliency of our grid,” Under Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes said. “Working together with our National Labs and private sector partners, these projects will establish a stronger, more resilient grid and ensure that Americans continue to enjoy the benefits of unprecedented energy abundance.”

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers will lead two new projects and support seven others as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2019 Grid Modernization Lab Call.

“We are proud to be a part of the Grid Modernization Initiative and bring our world-class expertise for providing innovative technology solutions to fortify the nation’s electricity delivery system,” Moe Khaleel, associate laboratory director for energy and environmental sciences at ORNL, said. “A modern, resilient power grid is vital to the nation’s economic and national security and to the well-being of its citizens.”