Bonneville Power Administration Seeks Research Ideas

Portland, OR - BPA's Technology Innovation Office is now accepting applications for its FY2013 research and development portfolio. Since 2005, BPA has funded a pipeline of projects that result in a more efficient Northwest power system, with a recent focus on technologies in the areas of energy efficiency, physical security, hydroelectric power operations and transmission services.

"This solicitation process gives us an opportunity to carefully consider our research investments," says Terry Oliver, chief technology innovation officer. "There are some brilliant ideas out there and there's never enough money, so we have to decide which projects have the most potential benefit to Northwest ratepayers."

The agency often looks to invest in projects with broad potential that otherwise might not get funding. Recently funded research projects include energy efficiency emerging technologies, oscillation damping and voltage stability controls, and compressed air and thermal storage in Columbia River basalt. 

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Technology Innovation will use a two-phase process to identify and select potential research and development opportunities. To share your technology innovation idea for phase one, submit your concept paper along with information about your teams' qualifications, by April 4. Those who meet the phase one qualifying criteria will be invited to further develop their proposal for phase two. 

The Technology Innovation Council reviewed the progress of existing projects during the agency's recent Technology Innovation Summit, Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. The updates helped the council determine which projects will continue to be funded. 

The agency expects to fund about $4.5 to $6 million on new projects next fiscal year. The council will announce the projects selected for the FY2013 portfolio in July. 

If you have questions about the submission process or would like to know more about the research topic areas, contact Sheila Bennett, technology innovation portfolio manager, at 503-230-3152 or sabennett@bpa.gov.