The Unexplored and Unknown: How ARPA-E Is Advancing Energy Innovation

The Unexplored and Unknown: How ARPA-E Is Advancing Energy Innovation

From GridPulse, a Grid Forward podcast by gridforward

April 3, 2026 · 21 min · Episode 75

About this episode

Conor Prochaska discusses how ARPA-E is advancing energy technologies to strengthen grid resilience amidst rising energy demand.

As energy demand surges, how is the U.S. Department of Energy supporting breakthrough technologies to strengthen grid resilience? ARPA-E Director Conor Prochaska shares how the agency is identifying and advancing high-impact solutions, including fusion (which he thinks is getting closer), advanced nuclear, next-generation geothermal, long duration storage and more to help meet growing demand. But technology alone isn’t enough. Prochaska also highlights the critical role of public-private partnerships and faster commercialization pathways in bringing these innovations to scale. We recorded this live at CeraWeek in Houston and will be joining the ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit next week. Hope to see you in San Diego.

People in this episode

Guest: Conor Prochaska

Topics covered

  • energy innovation
  • grid resilience
  • public-private partnerships
  • advanced technologies

Keywords

  • ARPA-E
  • fusion
  • advanced nuclear
  • geothermal
  • long duration storage

Mentioned in this episode

Products: fusion, advanced nuclear, next-generation geothermal, long duration storage

Places: Houston, San Diego

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