Electric Power Systems Research and Development accelerates discovery and innovation in electric transmission and distribution technologies and creates "next generation" devices, software, tools, and techniques to help modernize the electric grid. Projects are planned and implemented in concert with partners from other Federal programs; electric utilities; equipment manufacturers; regional, state, and local agencies; national laboratories; and universities. Coordination is critical to focusing Federal efforts and ensuring that projects are properly aligned with public, private, local, and national needs.

Priorities include:

High Temperature Superconductivity (HTS)
DOE leads the national effort for development of high temperature superconducting wires and electric equipment. High temperature superconductivity can help to bring revolutionary changes to electric utility equipment that will modernize the electricity grid, improving system functionality, capacity, efficiency, and reliability. View some of our work in High Temperature Superconductivity.

Visualization and Controls (V&C)
Advanced system monitoring, visualization, control, operations and market structures are being used to help support the modernization of the electric grid. Visualization and control systems will allow operators to detect disturbances and take action before problems cascade into widespread outages. View some of our work in Control Systems Security, Smart Grid, and Transmission Reliability.

Peer Review >

Renewable and Distributed Systems Integration (RDSI)
Renewable and Distributed Systems Integration will concentrate on the integration of renewable and distributed energy technologies into the grid at the distribution system level. By successfully demonstrating this integration, the use of renewable and distributed energy in support of electric distribution operations should substantially increase for supplying power and other ancillary services during peak load periods. View some of our work in Climate Change, Distributed Energy, and Renewable Energy Integration.

Peer Review >

Energy Storage and Power Electronics (ES&PE)
Research is being conducted to achieve reductions in capital, installation, and operations and maintenance costs for existing storage systems in a variety of types and size ranges. The field of power electronics is an exciting and dynamic area of technology development. Building on advances in semiconductor materials, power electronic building blocks are being created to replace traditional electromagnetic and electromechanical ones. View some of our work in Energy Storage.