Power Systems Engineering Research and Development activities accelerate discovery and innovation in electric transmission and distribution technologies and create "next generation" devices, software, tools, and techniques to help modernize the electric grid. Projects are planned and implemented in concert with partners from other Federal programs; electric utilities; equipment manufacturers; regional, state, and local agencies; national laboratories; and universities. Coordination is critical to focusing Federal efforts and ensuring that projects are properly aligned with public, private, local, and national needs.
Priorities include:
Clean Energy Transmission and Reliability supports activities in next-generation cables and conductors to increase the delivery capacity of electricity systems, to improve the affordability of electric services, and to enhance efficiency by reducing energy losses. Additionally, it supports activities that enhance our understanding of the power system, and enable response to changing system and market conditions, which is critical for ensuring reliable and efficient grid operations under high penetration of variable generation. The subprogram also will significantly advance our analytical ability to upgrade, extend, and replace existing grid modeling and analysis, visualization, and decision making tools.
Smart Grid Research and Development supports activities to adapt and integrate the use of advanced digital technology to modernize the nation’s electric delivery network for enhanced operational intelligence and connectivity. The enhanced connectivity will allow different applications, systems, and devices to be interoperable with one another, through a combined use of open system architecture, as an integration platform, and commonly-shared technical standards and protocols for communications and information systems.
Energy Storage supports research in basic materials forming battery, electrolytic capacitor, and flywheel systems which need to be improved to improve energy storage and cycling capabilities and reduce costs. It also supports activities in advanced component development and field testing of storage systems in diverse applications to bring these technologies closer to market. This research will help lower life-cycle costs, improve performance, and reduce siting issues due to reduced size and environmental impact.
Cybersecurity for Energy Delivery Systems supports research in next-generation control systems to accelerate the development and deployment of hardened control systems with built-in security. It also supports system vulnerability assessments that reveal exploitable systems vulnerabilities to encourage development of system fixes, and integrated risk analysis which helps stakeholders assess their security posture and hasten their ability to mitigate potential risks. This work is done in partnership with stakeholders to encourage collaborative developments and dissemination of critical security information.
View Power Systems Engineering Research and Development Program partnerships