The U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E, CFDA 81.135) awarded a $5,328,852 Cooperative Agreement to Arizona State University (doing business as Orspa) to develop a transformative solution for the high-speed installation of buried medium voltage electrical distribution lines. The technology uses a single-pass process that installs conduit during the borehole creation, eliminating the need for conventional back-reaming in horizontal directional drilling operations. This approach aims to improve the resilience, reliability, and security of the electrical infrastructure, particularly in the face of climate change-related weather factors. The project also involves developing advanced AI algorithms for 3D mapping and optimization of utility routes to further reduce the risk of damaging existing underground utilities during installation. The award has a performance period from September 2024 to September 2027.
Generated 3/4/25, 4:19 AM