To advance electricity technologies, the California Energy Commission has awarded $5.85 million to the University of California for a package of transmission grid improvement research. The funding will help ensure that California's electric transmission grid can handle the challenges of the 21st century while increasing renewable energy choices.

"California must develop and maintain a cost effective, reliable transmission system capable of responding to important policy challenges, including reducing global warming," said Energy Commission Chairman Jackalyne Pfannenstiel. "By funding transmission grid research now, we can better address the energy infrastructure challenges in the future."

The proposed research is 13 research projects addressing new grid technology developments to environmental research in transmission planning to solar and wind power analysis. Specific research includes: examining how to adapt new technologies to benefit California ratepayers; identifying the greenhouse gas emissions and energy inefficiencies of electric transmission systems; integrating wind power into the state's transmission system; improving operational response times; developing technologies for controlling power flows; and developing methods for congestion planning and uncertainty forecasting.

Researchers will identify what improvements are required for California's aging electric transmission infrastructure for moving electricity generated by new renewable power facilities on the grid. By studying transmission corridor planning, researchers can help the state achieve its goals for renewable power generation and environmental policy goals.

The proposed research will develop and help commercialize advanced electricity technologies, increase the use of renewable energy resources and improve the transmission or distribution of electricity generated from renewable energy resources.

The Regents of University of California Office of the President Researchers proposed a group of projects that address transmission research needs in California such as integrating new renewable energy resources and improvements in the grid operations. These projects were evaluated and approved by the Energy Commission staff with input from the Transmission Research Program Policy Advisory Committee, which includes the California Independent System Operator and the investor-owned utilities.