The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced last week a new competition meant to tap into clean, innovative energy sources to keep essential services functioning even at times of disaster.
The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) launched the Clean Power for Hours Challenge, a prize competition focused on new backup power solutions. The challenge will seek environmentally friendly, affordable, easily usable power operations for facilities such as fire stations, hospitals, and shelters that can keep critical operations running even when the grid is floundering.
For DHS, such measures were seen as vital for National Critical Functions (NCF), referring to governmental and private sector functions deemed so essential to the nation that their loss would strike community lifelines, including security, national economic security, and national public health or safety.
“The speed with which technology is advancing provides opportunities to increase our effectiveness through innovation. Harnessing the benefits offered by these advances is particularly important to our work during emergencies when it is imperative that our critical infrastructure remains functional and can serve our communities,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said. “The Clean Power for Hours Challenge opens a door for the creative and innovative minds of our nation to submit clean energy solutions that will effectively support communities in times of need.”
The challenge will consist of two stages: a written or video submission based on judging criteria, followed by the completion of advanced solutions and prize awards for up to 15 finalists. Those who progress past the first round will earn $10,000 for their stage two efforts, and the grand prize winner could ultimately win $400,000. A runner-up will have a shot at $200,000, while up to two honorable mentions will each win $50,000.
U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, and businesses incorporated in and maintaining a primary place of business in the United States will all be eligible to compete. Applications are due Aug. 8, 2023.
These efforts will be led by the Climate Change Action Group (CCAG), an organization of senior officials within DHS focused on promoting resilience and combating the risks posed by climate change. Such risks include flooding, extreme heat, drought, and wildfires.