The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under DE-FOA-0003396, titled Renewable Integration Management with Innovative High Voltage Direct Current Power Circuit Breakers (REIMAGINE BREAKERS). This opportunity seeks applications to advance the development of High Voltage Direct Current Circuit Breaker (HV DCCB) technologies through standardization and innovative design improvements. The initiative focuses on supporting renewable energy integration and enhancing the reliability and resilience of the U.S. energy grid. Applications are due by February 28, 2025, with concept papers required by January 17, 2025.

The funding is structured into two topic areas: Topic Area 1 focuses on the standardization of HV DCCB technology, with a total funding allocation of $1.5 million for one award. Topic Area 2 aims to promote innovative HV DCCB designs, with $6.5 million allocated for 2–3 awards. Awards will require a minimum cost share of 20% of total project costs and will have a performance period of up to 36 months. DOE anticipates making awards by December 1, 2025, for projects to commence shortly thereafter.

This NOFO is a continuation of DOE’s efforts to advance HVDC technology. It builds on prior workshops and programs, including the ARPA-E BREAKERS initiative and DOE’s HVDC workshops, which identified critical gaps such as the need for standardized specifications and advanced cost-effective designs. This funding opportunity directly supports the DOE’s goals to reduce HVDC technology costs and improve system performance, especially for applications such as offshore wind integration.

Eligible applicants include domestic entities such as institutions of higher education, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, state and local government entities, and Indian tribes. Foreign entities are generally ineligible unless granted a specific waiver. Applications involving Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are allowed, but certain restrictions apply. Work under this award must be performed in the United States unless a waiver is approved.

Applications must outline clear strategies to achieve one or both topic area objectives. Topic Area 1 applicants should focus on developing technical specifications and operational requirements for HV DCCBs to ensure compatibility within Multi-Terminal HVDC (MTDC) systems. Topic Area 2 applicants should propose innovative designs that reduce costs, minimize physical footprints, and improve system performance, addressing challenges in renewable energy integration.

Applicants are required to submit a concept paper before the full application. Submissions must include a detailed project narrative, budget justification, milestones, and plans for achieving DOE’s goals. All proposed projects will be evaluated based on technical merit, feasibility, alignment with DOE’s objectives, and the potential for industry impact.

This NOFO represents an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to critical advancements in HVDC technologies. Interested applicants should review the detailed NOFO and submit questions by the specified deadlines. Additional information and updates are available on FedConnect and Grants.gov.