[National Energy Technology Laboratory](https://netl.doe.gov)

April 2, 2026 (Concept Paper) | May 20, 2026 (Full Application)

Up to $250 million per award; total program funding estimated at $1.9 billion.

Funds projects that rapidly upgrade U.S. electric transmission infrastructure using advanced technologies to expand capacity, reliability, and affordability.

Cost sharing or matching is required.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity, administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), aims to accelerate investment in the U.S. electric grid through the deployment of advanced transmission technologies and infrastructure upgrades. The program, known as SPARK, supports projects that can be implemented quickly and deliver measurable improvements in grid capacity, operational efficiency, reliability, and affordability. Projects must combine physical upgrades—such as reconductoring or other infrastructure improvements—with advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) to expand transfer capability, strengthen resource adequacy, and reduce consumer costs, all while utilizing existing rights of way. The Department of Energy will prioritize projects that deliver durable, high-impact outcomes and foster partnerships among states, local governments, tribes, and system operators. --- ## Due Dates - **Concept Paper Submission Deadline:** April 2, 2026 (5:00 PM ET) - **Full Application Submission Deadline:** May 20, 2026 (5:00 PM ET) --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Ceiling:** $250,000,000 per project - **Award Floor:** $1 - **Estimated Total Program Funding:** $1,900,000,000 - **Funding Instrument:** Cooperative Agreement - **Cost Sharing/Matching:** Required --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants are listed as "Others"—see Section II.A of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the full description of eligibility requirements. - Typical eligible entities include: - States, local governments, tribes - Power system operators - Partnerships between public and private sector entities - For detailed eligibility, consult the [NOFO Part 1](https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/FileContent.aspx?FileID=f5841d12-7e64-4788-a938-f7867eda809b). --- ## Application Process 1. **Concept Paper:** Applicants must first submit a concept paper by the specified deadline. This is a required step. 2. **Full Application:** Only applicants encouraged after concept paper review may submit a full application. 3. **Submission Portal:** Applications must be submitted through the [DOE Energy Infrastructure eXCHANGE portal](https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId77dcb4d3-c11b-4230-a2b0-74927d4cee06). 4. **Required Forms and Templates:** Applicants should use the provided templates for budget justification, project description, environmental questionnaire, and other required documents. See the [application forms and templates section](https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId77dcb4d3-c11b-4230-a2b0-74927d4cee06) for downloads. 5. **Cost Share:** Applicants must demonstrate the ability to meet the cost sharing or matching requirement as outlined in the NOFO. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must deliver both physical and operational improvements to grid infrastructure. - Emphasis is placed on rapid deployment and measurable, durable benefits. - The program encourages partnerships and collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders. - For technical issues with the submission portal, contact [InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov](mailto:InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov). - For programmatic questions, contact [DE-FOA-0003580@netl.doe.gov](mailto:DE-FOA-0003580@netl.doe.gov). --- ## External Links - [DOE Infrastructure eXCHANGE Program Page](https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId77dcb4d3-c11b-4230-a2b0-74927d4cee06) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361477) - [NOFO Part 1 (PDF)](https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/FileContent.aspx?FileID=f5841d12-7e64-4788-a938-f7867eda809b) - [NOFO Part 2 (PDF)](https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/FileContent.aspx?FileID=1ae1be9f-4a1e-41ce-91a1-ad3498545b2d) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Programmatic Questions | [DE-FOA-0003580@netl.doe.gov](mailto:DE-FOA-0003580@netl.doe.gov) | | Technical Support | [InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov](mailto:InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov) | | Funder General Contact | [peter.strakey@netl.doe.gov](mailto:peter.strakey@netl.doe.gov) / (800) 553-7681 | ---

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) - Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK)

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