In a bid to bolster the resilience and reliability of the nation's energy systems, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a significant funding opportunity of up to $70 million. This financial injection is aimed at supporting research projects focused on technologies that can enhance the energy delivery infrastructure's ability to withstand diverse hazards, including cyber and physical threats, natural disasters, and climate-change-driven extreme weather events.

Managed by the DOE's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), the All-Hazards Energy Resilience program emphasizes the importance of making smart investments in America's energy systems. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm highlighted the significance, stating, "These investments will help save money in the long run by identifying and developing innovative solutions that ensure our nation’s energy infrastructure can withstand emerging threats and the challenges of a changing world."

The funding opportunity is intentionally broad, encouraging diverse teams from various sectors to develop innovative and unique solutions. The program aims to address a wide array of potential threats across energy production, generation, transmission, and distribution. Up to 25 research, development, and demonstration projects, ranging from $500,000 to $5,000,000, are expected to be funded under this initiative.

Several proposed topic areas include cyber research and development, climate mitigation, wildfire mitigation, physical security, and university-based research. The projects will contribute to advancing cybersecurity, reducing climate risks, fortifying infrastructure against wildfires, and enhancing the physical security of utility power stations. The DOE encourages the involvement of diverse teams, including universities, nonprofit and for-profit companies, national laboratories, state and local governments, and Tribal Nations.

This funding initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to building a strong and secure energy infrastructure, supporting national security, and achieving the goal of a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

Source: energy.gov