BPA's Technology Innovation initiative includes an annual cycle of funding based on strategic needs identified in the agency’s technology roadmaps and yearly focus areas. In January, all projects in the portfolio are reviewed by a group of BPA and utility executives and experts known as the Technology Confirmation and Innovation Council. Then in March, a funding opportunity announcement is posted for new projects. The announcement is open from March to May. After technical reviews of the proposals, the TCI Council selects the projects for inclusion in the following fiscal year’s portfolio in late June. The projects, which span across various technologies, time horizons, risk/reward profiles, cost concerns and other needs, are expected to produce direct financial benefits to BPA, and through BPA, deliver value to the Northwest electric power system.
BPA selected research projects for fiscal year 2016 beginning Oct. 1, 2015. Technology Innovation's portfolio management program and list of projects are included below.