FLC | NREL, USAID partner on free COVID-19 'ask the expert' service

NREL, USAID partner on free COVID-19 'ask the expert' service

May 12, 2020

To support countries with navigating energy sector impacts related to the novel strain of the coronavirus (COVID-19), USAID and NREL launched a no-cost Ask an Expert service that connects them to experts in energy system response, recovery, and resilience.

The USAID-NREL Partnership's Ask an Expert service connects government stakeholders, utilities, power system operators, and policymakers with a network of experts who can assist with addressing COVID-19 impacts on the energy sector. This includes experts from the U.S. Department of Energy's NREL and the broader U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories who specialize in the technical aspects of:

* Power system operation

* Withstanding, responding to, and recovering from power sector disruptions

* Developing flexible demand options

* Developing resilient energy systems.

Experts can answer these types of questions:

* How can we ensure a reliable power supply to critical infrastructure as we respond to COVID-19 impacts?

* What are the potential financial impacts of COVID-19 for the power system—including current operations and future periods?

* How can we ensure grid stability and resilience given significant load reductions due to falling demand for energy and gas from commercial and industrial sector clients?

* What are the impacts of lower demand in systems with higher shares of variable renewable energy supply?

* What are the best practices to respond to disruptions in our supply chains for parts that support gridwide maintenance and repair?

* How can we consider energy development and clean energy as we turn to economic recovery and potential stimulus packages?

* What are the best practices for building systems operations (such as heating ventilation or air conditioning) to support the health of occupants given COVID-19 pandemic?

Those requesting Ask an Expert assistance will receive a reply within two business days of when their request is submitted. If the request qualifies for assistance, the requestor will be matched with the expert most qualified to help and will begin receiving technical assistance at no cost via phone or email consultations.