The Department of Energy has announced that $25 million be invested in helping solar power be more easily integrated with the nation’s electric grid.
This is yet another part of the DOE’s SunShot Initiative which seeks to lower the cost of solar power to help enable it’s mainstream adoption.
ENERGISE is the name given to this grid modernization program (Enabling Extreme Real-Time Grid Integration of Solar Energy). The program aims to work with utilities, solar companies, and software engineers to accomplish their grid integration goals.
As we approach mid-2016, the U.S. now has 23 times the amount of solar that it did in 2008. The almost 30 gigawatts of solar power that America has must be utilized in a way that works well with conventional electricity production. It’s a balancing act that is in the very beginning stages of being dealt with.
“Our ongoing grid modernization work will help accelerate the widespread adoption of the clean energy resources that will define our low-carbon future. This funding will help that mission by supporting industry partners working to integrate, store, and deploy solar energy throughout our electric grid” – Lynn Orr (DOE’s Secretary for Science and Energy).
About 10-15 specific grid solutions are expected to be developed and tested to demonstrate real world effectiveness. The program will also benefit from past systems integration work. They all represent steps towards a very clean energy enabled grid.
The underlying issue here is the intermittent nature of solar power. As late afternoon turns into evening, conventional energy sources must be ramped up to make up for the loss of solar energy. This requires advancements in grid technology and software that ENERGISE looks to play a significant role in providing.
A bigger picture viewpoint is that this is just a short term solution until battery storage solutions are commonplace. In the not too distant future, instead of ramping up conventional energy production after the sun sets, utilities and homeowners will draw upon solar powered battery storage systems.
It truly is an exciting time for fans of clean energy, especially solar power. It’s a source of energy that can be utilized by government entities, businesses, and homeowners alike. The work that the DOE is doing to encourage the integration of solar power will ultimately benefit all of us.
In conclusion, the investment of $25 million in the grid integration of solar is a significant step towards advancing renewable energy infrastructure. This funding will help to improve the efficiency and reliability of integrating solar energy into the existing power grid. By investing in grid integration, we are not only promoting the growth of the solar industry but also reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. This initiative will contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future, benefiting both the economy and the planet.
In conclusion, the $25 million investment in grid integration of solar is a significant step towards promoting renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This funding will facilitate the development and implementation of advanced technologies and infrastructure to seamlessly integrate solar power into the existing electrical grid. By improving grid integration, solar energy can be effectively harnessed and distributed, leading to increased efficiency, reliability, and affordability of renewable energy sources. This investment highlights the commitment towards a sustainable future and paves the way for further advancements in solar energy integration.
In conclusion, the $25 million investment in grid integration of solar is a significant step towards the development and expansion of renewable energy sources. This funding will help improve the integration of solar power into existing electrical grids, making it more accessible and reliable for consumers. This investment demonstrates a commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards a more sustainable and clean energy future. With continued investments in grid integration, solar power has the potential to become a major contributor to our energy needs, leading to a greener and more resilient energy system.