In a bid to bolster the reliability, resiliency, and sustainability of its electric grid, New York State Governor Hochul has unveiled an $11 million funding initiative through the fourth round of the Future Grid Challenge. The funding aims to support innovative projects that address the technical complexities of integrating a changing energy mix into the grid, including advancements in large power transformers. This initiative aligns with New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to achieve 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030.

Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the funding seeks proposals from a diverse range of participants, including researchers, product vendors, asset managers, and consultants. The goal is to develop or demonstrate advanced technologies, such as large power transformers, that contribute to the evolution of a reliable modern energy transmission and distribution system while driving down energy costs and facilitating greater renewable energy integration.

Key areas of focus include enhancing transmission utilization, operational situational awareness, Distribution Energy Management Systems (DERMS), inverter-based resource integration, power electronics, grid modeling, data analytics, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and protection systems.

The funding announcement builds upon NYSERDA's broader Grid Modernization Program, which is set to provide a total of $133 million by 2026 for research, development, and solutions to support the advancement of a modern, smart electric grid, including transformative technologies like large power transformers. With the global shift toward sustainable energy, the Future Grid Challenge plays a pivotal role in accelerating New York's journey toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

Source: smart-energy.com