The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has taken a significant step toward improving clean energy integration by launching a new roadmap and committing over USD 18 million (EUR 17.5 million) to advance interconnection processes under its Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) initiative.
The roadmap, developed by the i2X team, focuses on addressing current challenges in integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DER). It offers 39 targeted solutions organized into four main objectives: boosting access to secure and transparent data, streamlining interconnection procedures and timelines, enhancing economic efficiency, and safeguarding the reliability and resilience of the power grid.
Designed as a guide for stakeholders, the roadmap outlines actionable strategies to overcome interconnection barriers over the next five years and sets five measurable goals to be achieved by 2030.
“These strategies are designed to tackle interconnection obstacles comprehensively, enabling faster resource integration while strengthening grid reliability and resilience,” said Jeff Marootian, principal deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
As part of this initiative, the DOE announced two funding opportunities, each valued at up to USD 8 million. The first will support local, state, and regional teams in adapting and applying the roadmap’s solutions to their specific needs. The second will provide specialized technical support for transmission operators and energy providers.
In addition, the DOE, in collaboration with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, has selected 12 pilot projects across 10 utility companies to receive USD 2.1 million in funding under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA). These projects aim to develop innovative methods for managing the integration and activation of renewable energy systems and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.