The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) under the title "De-risking Innovative Grid Technologies to Facilitate Adoption of Solutions that Promote Reliability, Resilience, Security, and Affordability" (DE-FOA-0003549). The purpose of this RFI is to collect stakeholder input to guide the planning of the Applied Grid Transformation Solutions (AGTS) program. This program seeks to promote innovative grid technologies that enhance the reliability, resilience, security, and affordability of the national electricity grid amidst significant transformations. The AGTS program, established in 2023, focuses on testing and validating advanced grid technologies in simulated environments, documenting pilot demonstrations, and creating resources to inform infrastructure investment decisions and accelerate grid modernization.

The AGTS program aims to address the evolving complexities of the U.S. electric grid, which is transitioning to a more decentralized system due to increasing demand from transportation electrification, renewable energy integration, and industrial fuel switching. It also faces emerging threats like cyberattacks, extreme weather, and aging infrastructure. Through systematic stress testing and validation of grid technologies, the program seeks to build confidence in their functionality, safety, and performance under various conditions. This process involves using advanced test bed facilities to evaluate technologies in controlled environments before deployment and documenting insights from pilot projects to facilitate technology adoption.

This RFI invites input from diverse stakeholders, including utilities, technology developers, research organizations, regulators, and academia. Participants can address questions related to needed certifications, barriers to technology adoption, and specific technology needs over different timeframes. The DOE also seeks feedback on the capabilities of grid test beds, gaps in their functionality, and opportunities for creating a national grid test bed network to enable large-scale simulations. Additionally, input is sought on overcoming barriers to scaling and replicating pilot project results across utilities and jurisdictions.

Responses must be submitted electronically to DOE-OE-AGT@hq.doe.gov by February 28, 2025, at 8:00 PM (ET). Submissions should adhere to the specified format, including a maximum length of 15 pages, 12-point font, and 1-inch margins. The DOE encourages respondents to structure their responses by referencing the RFI questions directly, and they may answer selectively. Proprietary or confidential information must be clearly marked to ensure appropriate handling.

This RFI is exploratory and does not represent a formal solicitation for funding. Responses will help DOE refine its strategies and may inform future funding opportunities. However, no guarantees are provided regarding the issuance of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) based on this RFI. Participants are advised to carefully consider the disclosure of sensitive information, as submissions may be subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.