The deadline to submit a statement of intent is coming up on Oct. 18, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET! For competitors interested in manufacturing clean energy technology components related to grid upgrades, this blog post discusses eligible components and why they are critical to building a clean energy future.
Why Do We Need Grid Updates?
To decarbonize by 2050, the U.S. energy sector will require radical transformations, including decarbonization of the electric grid by modernizing and integrating zero-carbon electricity sources. Many of the country’s transmission and local grid distribution systems are also aged or outdated. If the United States does not upgrade existing grid infrastructure, it will be challenging to meet the country’s decarbonization goals.
But upgrading these systems is likely to increase pressure on existing supply chains for materials and components, and many critical components that support the power grid have limited to no domestic manufacturing capacity. For example, the United States currently faces a shortage of distribution transformers. Installed large power transformers are, on average, about 40 years old, which is the end of their expected lifetime. And, if we can replace conventional alternating current with high voltage direct current technologies, we could help improve grid resilience, security, and operation flexibility while incorporating more renewable energy into the grid.
Updated electric grid infrastructure, including transformers and high-voltage direct current, can increase local control of the power system, build resilience for communities, minimize power disruptions, and help America reach the goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
How Can We Bolster the Supply Chain for Grid Upgrade Components?
To successfully upgrade and strengthen the country’s electric grid, the U.S. Department of Energy aims to catalyze domestic manufacturing of the necessary critical components.
Through the Manufacture of Advanced Key Energy Infrastructure Technologies (MAKE IT) Prize Facilities Track, teams will work to enhance these domestic supply chains by accelerating the manufacturing of:
- Components for distribution and large power transformers
- Components for high-voltage direct current transmission.
Competitors can learn more about components related to grid upgrades in the MAKE IT Prize’s official rules document and the U.S. Department of Energy’s report, “America’s Strategy to Secure the Supply Chain for a Robust Clean Energy Transition.”
How Can You Help?
Help catalyze domestic manufacturing of critical clean energy components so we can meet our decarbonization goals and maximize associated benefits.
Learn more and submit to compete in the MAKE IT Prize’s Facilities Track by 5 p.m. ET on Oct. 18, 2023.
