The DOE is investing up to $220 million in a plan that will modernize the U.S. electric grid and improve its performance. The Grid Modernization Multi-Year Program Plan (MYPP) will be overseen by a new working group called the Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium (GMLC), which includes 14 DOE national laboratories as well as other government agencies and researchers within academia and industry.
The research is expected to provide solutions such as common standards and test procedures for new grid technologies, support tools for efficient and safe operation of distributed energy resources, and best implementation practices for smart technologies such as wind and solar power, EVs, and smart buildings.
“The Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium is a new way of efficiently leveraging the strengths and capabilities of America’s national laboratories to deploy new concepts and technologies that will make the grid cleaner, more productive, and more secure. These announced projects are an important first step toward achieving the DOE vision of a modernized grid for the nation,” says Bryan Hannegan, NREL Associate Laboratory Director.
