Through the Network Optimized Distributed Energy Systems (NODES) program, ARPA-E will fund the development of innovative and disruptive technologies for real-time management of transmission and distribution networks by system-wide control and coordination of flexible load and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to improve the overall efficiency and reliability of the U.S. electric grid and enable renewables penetration at the 50% level or greater. The objective is to reliably manage, locally or globally, dynamic changes in the grid by leveraging these additional grid resources’ capability to provide ancillary services to the electric grid at different time scales. This will facilitate greater grid resiliency, security, and flexibility, while having minimal impact on customer quality of service (QoS).
The expected system level benefits include net energy savings, reduction of CO2 emissions in power generation by directly offsetting load consumption by renewable energy production, and lowering required operating reserves. Additional savings are expected to be achieved by supporting higher penetration of Distributed Generation (DG) that is expected to reduce energy-delivery losses by delivering energy where it’s needed, and when it’s needed.
A list of potential teaming partners can be found here:https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/TeamingPartners - NODES