NYSERDA Funds $30M for Technical Solutions for Grid Integration of Renewable Power

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has announced providing a further funding of $30 million in 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.

The official statement of NYSERDA said that 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. These efforts support New York’s nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) goal to achieve 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030.

Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “With the release of this latest round of the Future Grid Challenge, we are seeking to support critical technology solutions that will allow the electric grid to continue to handle increasing amounts of renewable energy.”

He added that investments in innovation are investments in a grid of the future that incorporates clean energy and allows for dynamic management and operation to ensure resilient and reliable transmission and distribution.

The statement by NYSERDA mentioned that the technological challenge seeks to address high priority grid technologies that would include 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) and grid impacts from offshore wind interconnection.

Rory M. Christian, CEO of the Department of Public Service, stated, “Supporting the development of new technology is critically important as we deal aggressively with the need to create a clean energy grid. The new technology that will be created will help ensure transmission and distribution system reliability, while speeding integration of renewables that will assist New York in meeting its nation-leading climate goals.”

The Future Grid Challenge

Since 2016, NYSERDA’s Smart Grid program has awarded close to $57 million under 100 contracts to grid technology companies as well as research organizations for projects including low-cost, high-accuracy grid sensors, modeling and simulation tools, and advanced engineering solutions for more effective integration of renewable energy resources.

NYSERDA held that the 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 to accommodate renewable energy sources and understanding their impact on the transmission and distribution systems. Together, these utilities provide electric service to over 13 million households, businesses, and government facilities across the State.