The Renewable and Distributed Systems Integration (RDSI) Program seeks to develop and demonstrate new distribution system configurations integrated with distributed resources. The projects are specifically focused on demonstrating microgrids or its enabling elements such as communications and control strategies for demand response, distributed renewable generation systems, storage technologies, advanced sensors, and energy efficient building sub-systems. The microgrids being demonstrated are capable of operating in both grid parallel and islanded modes.
The nine RDSI projects, awarded in fiscal year 2008, involve a mix of distributed energy resources and related innovative technologies with an aggregated capacity of greater than 15% of the capacity of a distribution substation, a single distribution feeder, or multiple distribution feeders. Further, such aggregations of distributed resources seek to achieve a reduction of at least 15% of the power that would otherwise be normally supplied by the distribution substation or distribution feeders during peak load periods.
Structured as cooperative agreements, the RDSI projects were selected through a merit-based solicitation in which the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides financial assistance with matching cost share from the recipients. Including recipient cost share, the combined budget of the nine projects exceeds $100 million. The projects from ATK, Chevron, and MonPower did not receive any funds provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Learn more about the Renewable and Distributed Systems Integration Program:
Projects
The location, information, and data for each smart grid project are provided in this section.Click for Projects
Publications
These reports include analysis, impacts, lessons learned, best practices, analytical tools, and case studies that were supported by the Recovery Act Smart Grid Programs.Click for Publications
