Next Generation Transformers – Flexible and Adaptable Designs | DE FOA 0001876

Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001876

The Department of Energy, through the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), issued Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0001876 titled "Next Generation Transformers - Flexible and Adaptable Designs" to push forward new approaches to large power transformer (LPT) design that make the electric grid easier to restore and more resilient after major equipment losses. The central idea is to move away from highly customized, one-off transformer builds and toward more standardized, interchangeable designs. By encouraging designs that can be more readily swapped or adapted when an LPT fails, the program aims to shorten restoration timelines and reduce the grid-level disruption that can follow the loss of one or more critical transformers.

A key technical focus of the opportunity is practical proof-of-concept work rather than purely theoretical studies. Applicants are expected to develop and test lab-scale prototypes larger than 100 kVA, large enough to meaningfully demonstrate performance characteristics while still being feasible for controlled laboratory evaluation. The intent is that these prototypes serve as credible demonstrations of flexible, adaptable architectures that could ultimately scale to full-size LPT applications. Performance evaluation is an explicit expectation, meaning proposals should be structured around measurable technical outcomes and testable claims.

The FOA also places strong emphasis on "embedded intelligence" within transformer designs. Beyond mechanical or electrical modularity, DOE is encouraging integration of sensors and data analytics so the transformer can better handle a wide range of operating environments. This includes steady-state operation as well as extreme or abnormal conditions. In practice, this points to transformers that do more than passively operate: they should be able to monitor internal and external conditions, provide actionable diagnostics, and support predictive maintenance or health forecasting. The goal is improved asset operation and lifecycle management, with earlier warning of emerging problems and better decision support for operators.

From an administrative standpoint, the funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, which typically implies substantial federal involvement during the project period compared with a standard grant. The opportunity was listed under discretionary funding, with activity categories spanning energy, environment, science and technology, community development, and other R&D. Eligibility was broadly open ("unrestricted"), meaning any entity could apply as long as it met any additional eligibility clarifications contained in the full announcement text.

In terms of scale and timing, the FOA anticipated making about five awards, with an award ceiling of $1.5 million per project. The opportunity was created on June 8, 2018, and originally closed on July 31, 2018. The program is associated with CFDA number 81.122. Overall, the funding opportunity can be read as a targeted push to modernize transformer design around standardization, rapid replaceability, and intelligent monitoring, with prototype validation serving as the bridge between innovative concepts and deployable grid hardware.

• The Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory in the community development, energy, environment, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Next Generation Transformers – Flexible and Adaptable Designs" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.122.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 08, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 31, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

Apply for DE FOA 0001876

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