The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) says it is looking for research partners to help advance the electric industry and develop technologies that improve the operation of the Northwest electric power system. BPA's Technology Innovation Office is accepting proposals for its 2014 research and development portfolio until March 29.
For fiscal year 2014, the agency will be focused on investing in projects that advance transmission power flow controls, synchrophasor data intelligence, climate change streamflow models, energy efficiency and demand response.
BPA's research portfolio includes 51 projects with varying options for success in the near-, mid- and long-term. These stage gates trigger decisions for continuation, revision or termination, helping to ensure that each project is on course to accomplish its objectives. The agency also requires a 50% cost share with its partners. This robust screening and review process, Administrator Bill Drummond says, ensures BPA is not funding duplicative research and that the right investments are being made.
BPA expects to fund about $3.5 million of new research next year and will announce the projects selected for the fiscal year 2014 portfolio in July 2013.
