Full funding released for NW smart grid project
By Christina Williams, Sustainable Business Oregon
Sustainable Business Oregon
Battelle and the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory announced Thursday that the $89 million in stimulus funds promised for the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project have been approved and will be released. The move will allow for full spending to begin on the part of the Bonneville Power Administration, 11 utilities and five technology companies that are working on the project.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., announced the release of the first chunk of funding, $47 million, in August.
At its peak, the five-year project could create 1,500 jobs in manufacturing, installation and operation.
"We are eager to help the nation create a more efficient and reliable electricity infrastructure, sharing knowledge and learning along the way," said Mike Kluse, a senior vice president at Battelle in Richland, Wash., in a press release.
Battelle, which operates the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for the DOE, will manage the project.
The project will tests the features of a next-generation power grid such as integration of renewable energy sources and two-way communication.
christinawilliams@bizjournals.com | 503.219.3438
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