The Department of Energy SPARK Program
On March 12, 2026, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) program — a $1.9 billion grid resilience funding initiative designed to expand the capacity, reliability, and affordability of the U.S. electrical grid. Released through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the DOE SPARK program draws from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and targets rapid deployment of advanced transmission technologies nationwide.
Funding is distributed across three topic areas — Grid Resilience, Smart Grid, and Grid Innovation — with awards ranging from $10 million to $250 million per project.
Topic Area 1: Grid Resilience ($427 million)
Total awards: 5-10
Award Size (per project): $10,000,000 – $100,000,000
Eligible applicants include:
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Electric grid operator
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Electricity storage operators
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Electricity generator
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Transmission owner or operator
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Distribution provider
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Fuel supplier
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Other entities as determined by the Secretary
Technical approaches of interest:
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Transmission system expansion/upgrades
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Advanced transmission technologies and solutions
Topic Area 2: Smart Grid ($614 million)
Total awards: 25-40
Award Size (per project): $10,000,000 – $50,000,000
Eligible applicants include:
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Institutes of higher education (as defined in Title 20 U.S.C. § 1001)
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For-profit organizations
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Non-profit organizations
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State and local government entities
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Indian tribes (as defined in Section 4[e] of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5304)
Technical approaches of interest:
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Advanced transmission technologies
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Reconductoring as a Smart Grid Enabler
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Communications and Cybersecurity Integration
Topic Area 3: Grid Innovation Program ($862 million)
Total awards: 3-8
Award Size (per project): $100,000,000 – $250,000,000
Eligible applicants include:
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State
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Combination of two or more states
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Indian tribes (as defined in Section 4[e] of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, 25 U.S.C.§ 5304)5
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Unit of local government
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Public utility commission
Technical approaches of interest:
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Transmission Expansion and Upgrades
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Advanced transmission technologies
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Cross-regional coordination and planning
Get help meeting tight DOE SPARK deadlines
Concept papers are due April 2nd, with the full application deadline set at May 20. With this tight concept paper deadline and strong competition to be expected for the full proposal, a carefully planned strategy is key for getting traction from the DOE.
McAllister & Quinn has helped our clients secure over $1.8 billion from the Department of Energy. If you have questions about the process of applying or require support in drafting or reviewing your application package, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Prepared by: Eli Goeltz
Eli serves as a Business Development Research Analyst for the firm’s Advanced Technology Practice. In this role, he provides internal business analysis and strategic communications work to help with the client’s practice team. He works with managing directors and key contacts to strategically identify suitable Federal and foundation opportunities for clients to pursue, and assists the practice’s core team in assessing strategic needs
