Request for Information (RFI): Accelerating Speed to Power/Winning the Artificial Intelligence Race: Federal Action to Rapidly Expand Grid Capacity and Enable Electricity Demand Growth

The Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) focused on addressing gigawatt-scale generation and transmission investments to support rapidly growing electricity demand from data centers, advanced manufacturing facilities, semiconductor fabrication plants, and other large energy users. The RFI seeks feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and impacted communities regarding the challenges of expanding electric grid capacity to meet emerging technological infrastructure needs. This opportunity is part of the Grid Infrastructure Deployment and Resilience program (CFDA Number 81.254), which aims to modernize and enhance U.S. electric grid infrastructure through strategic investments. While this is not a formal funding announcement, it represents a critical initiative to gather comprehensive insights into grid expansion challenges and potential solutions. The RFI is open for stakeholder input, with responses due by November 21, 2025, providing interested parties an opportunity to contribute to future grid development strategies.

The Grid Deployment Office (GDO) typically supports projects with funding ranges between $100,000 and $30 million, focusing on grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and community energy resilience. Although this specific RFI is not a direct grant opportunity, it is likely to inform future funding announcements that will support grid infrastructure development across U.S. states, territories, and tribal lands. The program's broader objectives include lowering energy costs, improving grid reliability, and supporting the nation's economic and national security infrastructure. Potential project scopes may involve developing high-capacity electric transmission systems, upgrading critical generation facilities, and implementing innovative grid technologies. The GDO anticipates using grants and cooperative agreements to stimulate public-purpose infrastructure development, with typical project durations ranging from 3 to 8 years.