GFO-24-306 – Applications of Open Data to Support Climate Resilience in California’s Electricity Sector

The Applications of Open Data to Support Climate Resilience in California’s Electricity Sector (GFO-24-306) is a grant funding opportunity designed to develop open-source, user-friendly climate and wildfire tools that enhance resilience planning for California’s electricity sector. Administered by the Energy Research and Development Division under the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Program, this solicitation aims to leverage cutting-edge scientific research and data to support investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and other energy sector stakeholders in mitigating climate risks. The research funded by this grant will focus on creating and improving tools that provide accessible, science-based insights for utilities, policymakers, and communities engaged in climate adaptation and wildfire risk management. The initiative underscores California’s commitment to climate resilience, data transparency, and proactive planning to protect energy infrastructure and ensure reliable electricity access in the face of increasing climate challenges. Eligible applicants include research institutions, energy sector organizations, technology developers, and other stakeholders with expertise in climate science, wildfire modeling, and data analytics. Projects should demonstrate a strong foundation in scientific research, data integration capabilities, and applicability to California’s unique energy landscape. The tools developed through this program should be scalable, open-source, and capable of assisting IOUs and other key energy stakeholders. The grant application process requires submission through the Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS) portal. Applicants must register for a user account to access the system and submit proposals. The submission deadline is April 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST, with a question submission deadline of February 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST. Applicants are encouraged to review the User Registration Instructions and follow the steps outlined for applying through the ECAMS platform. Evaluation criteria will prioritize scientific credibility, practical usability, scalability, and potential for real-world application. Proposals that demonstrate strong partnerships, innovative methodologies, and the ability to address pressing climate resilience challenges in the electricity sector will be given preference. By funding open-source solutions for climate and wildfire resilience, this grant supports California’s ongoing efforts to enhance energy sector preparedness, improve risk management, and safeguard communities from the adverse effects of climate change.