2 Microgrid Projects Advance to Actionable Phase of DOE’s SOLVE IT Prize Competition
The Department of Energy has advanced 10 projects to the third and final round of its Solutions for Lasting, Viable Energy Infrastructure Technologies (SOLVE IT) Prize competition. Two of the winners will leverage microgrid technologies.
Launched by the Office of Technology Transitions, the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the SOVE IT Prize is designed to help communities identify, develop and deploy community-led clean energy solutions or decarbonization projects.
It helps “communities across the country guide their own clean energy transition, as the experts on their regions,” said Vanessa Chan, DOE chief commercialization officer and director of the office of technology transitions. “Winners are getting resources to help their communities identify and implement clean energy solutions that work within their specific context.”
The competition has three phases and competitors could win up to $730,000 for their projects.
In Phase 1, known as the Embark Phase, competitors “defined their community, identified ways their community could benefit from clean energy solutions, and laid out plans to engage their community,” according to a statement.
In May, twenty-eight projects were selected as Phase 1 winners, with each receiving $80,000 and advancing to Phase 2, also known as the Engage Phase.
Two microgrid projects among Phase 2 winners
During Phase 2, competitors collaborated with community stakeholders to develop a clean energy project that will address that community’s specific needs. Ten winners were selected, including two projects microgrid projects:
- Puerto Rico Hydro Microgrid Partners is planning to develop small hydroelectric powered microgrids in rural, underserved areas of the island nation.
- San Diego State University and Torres Martinez Collaborative are planning solar-powered microgrids to bolster the energy sovereignty of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians in southern California.
Among the other winners advancing to Phase 3 and winning $150,000 are multiple solar projects, a district geothermal system and renewable energy and storage systems for community resilience hubs.
Phase 3 winners will receive $500,000
During Phase 3, or the Establish Phase of the competition, teams will collaborate with community stakeholders to create action plans and partnerships that will enable them to bring their projects to life.
Three grand prize winners will be announced in July, with each winning $500,000 to help implement their action plans.
