GFO-24-312 - Advanced Grid Technology Acceleration Projects Grant

The GFO-24-312 solicitation by the California Energy Commission aims to accelerate advanced grid technology projects, enhancing the electricity sector's capacity, reliability, and resilience. With a budget of $24 million, projects must demonstrate technologies at a readiness level of 7 to 9, focusing on innovative applications that optimize grid performance. Key areas of interest include distributed energy resource management systems and microgrids, which can significantly contribute to California's goals for clean energy and climate resilience.

As the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, the California Energy Commission (CEC) plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future—one that is clean, modern, and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive. Combating climate change is fundamental to maintaining California’s future. The agency’s research, programs and policies remain crucial today as the state plans for 100% clean energy and carbon neutrality by mid-century. CEC is helping create the energy system of California’s future through activities such as Planning and Policy Development, Renewable Energy Growth; Energy Efficiency; Energy Innovation; Cleaner Transportation; and Responsible Electricity Infrastructure.
This solicitation is under the California Energy Commission’s Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program which invests in scientific and technological research to accelerate the transformation of the electricity sector to meet the state’s energy and climate goals.
The purpose of this solicitation is to fund technology demonstration projects that validate the performance and benefits of advanced grid technologies while informing future deployments. These advanced grid technologies can be a combination of hardware and software solutions that increase the capacity, visibility, flexibility, reliability, and/or resilience of grid assets as an alternative to conventional infrastructure enhancements like construction of new lines in new rights of way.
Eligible technologies must be at a technology readiness level (TRL) of 7 to 9. Projects demonstrating technologies that have been previously deployed by a California IOU are encouraged to focus on novel applications or to deploy suites of technologies to inform understanding of how they interact and what additional benefits can be derived for ratepayers when used together in operations.
Advanced grid technology demonstration areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
Advancements in distributed energy resource management systems combined with customer-owned power controls systems and/or smart inverters that allow DERs to dynamically adjust electricity consumption and/or production based on near-real-time grid conditions.Front-of-the-meter microgrids or substation-sited energy storage systems operated to provide distribution or transmission services as an alternative to conventional infrastructure enhancements.Distribution system operator pilots that explore development of market and/or other mechanisms for DERs to provide grid services such as flattening circuit/feeder demand.
Up to $24,000,000 is available for grants awarded under this solicitation.  There is a minimum 30% total match share percentage requirement for this solicitation.