Interoperability of offshore electric transmission infrastructure

(a) Study Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall complete and publish on the website of the Department of Energy a study that assesses the need to, and challenges of, developing and standardizing interoperable electric grid components, systems, and technologies in support of shared offshore transmission networks. Such study shall include recommendations for Congress, State, Tribal, and local governments, manufacturers of electric grid components, systems, and technologies, regional transmission organizations, offshore electricity generation project developers, and appropriate standards organizations to help ensure interoperability of electric grid components, systems, and technologies across seams between offshore electricity generation projects and shared offshore infrastructure connecting to onshore transmission systems. (b) Interoperability standard development program (1) In general The Secretary of Energy shall establish and implement a program to identify, develop, support, document, and encourage the adoption of a set of standards necessary to maximize the interoperability of electric grid components, systems, and technologies to accelerate the implementation and delivery of electricity generated by offshore electricity generation projects through shared transmission infrastructure. (2) Goals The goals of establishing and implementing the program under paragraph (1) shall be— (A) to harmonize and standardize functional specifications of electric grid components, systems, and technologies to maximize the interoperability of electric grid components, systems, and technologies across technologies and manufacturers; (B) to hasten adoption of shared transmission infrastructure for offshore electricity generation by encouraging cooperation among manufacturers of electric grid components, systems, or technologies in order to— (i) maximize interoperability of such manufacturers’ electric grid components, systems, and technologies; (ii) reduce offshore electricity generation project delays and cost overruns; (iii) manage power grid complexity; and (iv) enhance electric grid resilience, reliability, and cybersecurity; and (C) to identify common technical specifications to effectively and securely measure, monitor, control, and protect offshore electricity generation and transmission infrastructure from the point of generation to load centers. (3) Grants Under the program established and implemented under paragraph (1), the Secretary may provide grants to entities to— (A) engage equipment manufacturers and industry stakeholders in collaborative platforms, including workshops and forums; (B) identify current challenges and propose solutions to improve interoperability of electric grid components, systems, and technologies; and (C) develop a set of voluntary industry standards to maximize interoperability of electric grid components, systems, and technologies that meet the goals described in paragraph (2). (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy to carry out this section $5,000,000, to remain available until expended.