Smart Wires technology selected for two new projects under the DOE’s GRIP program

In Texas, Algonquin Power Fund America Inc. is leading a project that will increase transmission capacity of the existing grid by approximately 300 MW and resolve stability issues by rerouting power flows with SmartValves. This will reduce curtailment of clean energy, support development of new generation sites, improve access to clean affordable electricity for consumers, and mitigate climate impact risks.

EPRI will lead a project which deploys SmartValves at interregional tie lines between New York and Vermont to improve operational flexibility and systematically increase regional transfer capacity for renewable generation. This project also includes a series of power system studies to evaluate the broader system impact of wide-scale national use of Smart Wires’ technology.

“We are delighted to partner with forward-thinking utilities, generation developers, and a premier research institution like EPRI on these exciting new projects for the U.S. market,” said Joanna Lohkamp, CEO at Smart Wires.

“Funding programs like GRIP, combined with recent regulatory changes, are paving the way forward for wide-scale use of grid enhancing technologies in the U.S. to enable a net zero grid and ultimately bring clean energy to all” she said.

The GRIP program was established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to investment in projects that enhance grid flexibility, improve the resilience of the power system against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change, and ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity when and where they need it.

SmartValve is deployed by multiple utilities around the world, delivering 3.5 gigawatts of extra capacity on existing grids while enabling over $1.6 billion of savings to consumers.

More details on these and other projects announced by the DOE are available at: https://www.energy.gov/gdo/grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-projects. Specifically, there are project factsheets on the Algonquin Power Fund America Inc. led project here and on the EPRI led project here.

About the GRIP program

On October 18, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy announced up to $3.5 billion in Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program investments for 58 projects across 44 states to strengthen electric grid resilience and reliability across America.

Selection for award negotiations is not a commitment by DOE to issue an award or provide funding. Before funding is issued, DOE and the applicants will undergo a negotiation process, and DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection for any reason during that time. 

Learn more about the Grid Deployment Office and the GRIP Program.