Project Name: Grid Ready Energy Analytics Training (GREAT) with Data
Funding Opportunity: Solar Energy Technologies Office Fiscal Year 2018 Funding Program (SETO FY2018)
SETO Subprogram: Soft Costs
Location: Knoxville, TN
DOE Award Amount: $6.5 million
Awardee Cost Share: $1.6 million
Planned Timeline: 2019-2022
-- Award and cost share amounts are subject to change pending negotiations --
The Grid Ready Energy Analytics Training (GREAT) with Data initiative will develop and deliver open-source professional training and university course content to improve workforce readiness among a diverse talent pool in the electric power industry. Through collaboration with utility and university partners, this project team will prepare the next generation of engineers and data scientists at the intersection of digital systems and physical power systems to enable an integrated grid.
APPROACH
In-person instruction and computer- or cloud-based digital training modules will provide training in data science, cybersecurity, information and communication technology, and integration of distributed energy resources (DER), such as solar photovoltaics and energy storage. Five training hubs will give feedback and guide content development and delivery to meet the needs of different U.S. regions. Multiple training repository platforms, a data analytics center of excellence in electric power systems, and train-the-trainer workshops will help the program expand.
INNOVATION
This project will help merge grid operations technology and information technology to enable the integration of solar and other DER through training, educating, and recruiting qualified personnel into the electric utility industry. New training simulators and digital learning platforms that use both augmented and virtual reality will give trainees hands-on experience with virtual assets.
