The U.S. electric grid test bed inventory aims to capture and summarize information and capabilities available at domestic, publicly accessible facilities (“test beds”) that perform testing, evaluation, validation, and certification of transmission and distribution (T&D) grid technologies, including grid-scale energy storage, grid sensors, grid communication and control systems, and associated software, prior to deployment and demonstration in the field with operational utility equipment, assets, and/or systems. The purpose of this inventory is to assist T&D technology developers, integrators, electric utilities, grid operators, and other industry stakeholders in identifying test beds that can assess promising new technologies.
DOE does not recommend, endorse, or otherwise evaluate the qualifications of any entity or any organization included in the inventory. The U.S. electric grid test bed inventory is under continuous development and may not reflect all publicly accessible grid test beds in the United States. Due to limitations in the methodology, the information provided for each listed test bed may not be entirely accurate or comprehensive. If you would like to suggest modifications or updates to a listed test bed or recommend a test bed you do not see listed, please contact:
By submitting information for inclusion in the U.S. electric grid test bed inventory, the submitter consents to public disclosure of any information submitted. DOE will not fund the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any organizations or individuals for the development of such information. DOE reserves the right to modify any submitted information to ensure that information provided to the public meets DOE program requirements.
As the Nation’s electric grid modernizes and transforms, there is a pressing need to test and evaluate the functionality and performance of innovative grid technologies to assess their ability to meet emerging demands and new requirements. Test beds are vital tools in the technology development process, providing capabilities to assess new technologies in controlled environments prior to deployment in operational environments to mitigate risks and increase confidence in their safety, security, and reliability. Numerous electric grid test beds across the United States at national laboratories, utilities, commercial entities, and academia possess a range of capabilities that can be utilized to accelerate adoption of innovative grid technologies.
Test beds included in the inventory were selected by Contractor subject matter experts (SMEs) and DOE Office of Electricity (OE) staff based on prior knowledge. The SMEs collected, categorized, and normalized publicly available information exclusively from test bed webpages. For each test bed, functional capabilities were determined based on definitions developed and adapted from the Catalog of National Laboratory Testing Resources for Grid Devices while technology capabilities, focus areas, and specialty (distinguishing feature) were identified based on judgment and limited logical inferences. If the physical address of a test bed could not be established, the address for the test bed’s parent organization was used. In instances where a test bed has capabilities in multiple locations, one address was selected. The SMEs did not audit or otherwise assess test bed webpage content for accuracy nor were test beds contacted to review or supplement the inventory information.