Press Releases

The U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) has launched a $35 million campaign to triple U.S. transmission capacity. As part of the campaign, ARPA-E awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $2.5 million award. The funding will support design development of a novel power electronics converter. The funding is supported by the agency’s Disruptive DC Converters for Grid Resilient Infrastructure to Deliver Secure energy (DC-GRIDS) program. 

In response to this news, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“As electricity demand in the United States is projected to surge, it is necessary to update our electric grid infrastructure. ARPA-E is responsible for identifying key projects that develop cutting-edge technologies and are strategic to America’s energy security. 

“This $2.5 million award to Virginia Tech as part of the DC-GRIDS program helps the university advance innovative energy security solutions that bolster the U.S. electric grid.”

BACKGROUND

Virginia Tech’s project is one of 12 selected to support the DC-GRIDS program.

ARPA-E notes that the DC-GRIDS awarded projects will focus on developing high voltage direct current (HVDC) technologies that transform conventional alternating current (AC) infrastructure. The Virginia Tech project can potentially enable more resilient and cost-effective energy transmission for the future.

In September 2025, Congressman Griffith announced a $39.9 million ARPA-H award to Virginia Tech for the development of a new biosensor.

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