
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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