The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the Innovation Interconnection e-Xchange (i2X) Solar and Wind Transmission for Future Transmission (SWIFTR) funding opportunity, which will provide up to $10 million to develop new analytical tools and approaches to accelerate the reliable interconnection of solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems into the electric grid.

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) seeks applications to address the challenges in the transmission system interconnection processes by creating software tools that can simulate the effect of new clean energy plants on existing grid infrastructure, and by providing data to project developers. Those interested must apply by April 17, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

The SWIFTR FOA is part of DOE’s Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) program. In 2023, i2X released a draft roadmap that outlines goals, solutions, and metrics for the transmission system interconnection process. This FOA aims to address two goals in the draft roadmap — maintaining a reliable and resilient grid and increasing interconnection data access and transparency.

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Did you know the Department of Energy’s i2X team is partnering with the interconnection event GridTECH Connect Forum? Register now and participate in DOE’s interconnection boot camp and town hall June 24-26 in Newport Beach, CA.

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Topic area 1: Impro