Just and Secure Energy Transition (J-SET) | 7200AA22RFA00018

Just and Secure Energy Transition (J-SET) - Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the Just and Secure Energy Transition (J-SET) opportunity?

J-SET is a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) cooperative agreement that supports countries in the Europe and Eurasia region as they advance a clean energy transition while maintaining reliability, affordability, and energy security. The program is designed to strengthen the institutions and systems that run power networks and energy markets and to speed up adoption of modern, cost-effective clean energy solutions.

2) Which agency is offering this funding opportunity?

The funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

3) What type of award is J-SET?

J-SET is issued as a cooperative agreement. This structure typically involves substantial USAID engagement during implementation, including collaboration on work planning, technical direction, and monitoring of results, rather than a fully hands-off grant arrangement.

4) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for J-SET?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 7200AA22RFA00018.

5) What is the program category and CFDA listing?

J-SET is a discretionary funding opportunity under the Energy activity category, listed as CFDA 98.001.

6) How many awards does USAID expect to make under this opportunity?

USAID expects to make a single award.

7) What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling is up to $20,000,000.

8) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning any type of entity may apply, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications that may appear in the full notice.

9) What region is the program focused on?

The opportunity targets countries in the Europe and Eurasia region.

10) What is the overall purpose of J-SET?

J-SET aims to modernize how electricity and related energy services are planned, priced, dispatched, traded, and delivered, while accelerating the uptake of clean energy solutions. The emphasis is on making the transition practical and durable by strengthening the institutions and operational systems that keep economies and communities running.

11) What kinds of organizations or stakeholders does J-SET intend to support?

The opportunity is focused on supporting utilities, regulators, and other key energy-sector stakeholders involved in operating power networks and energy markets.

12) Is J-SET limited to a single technology or one narrow reform area?

No. The opportunity is framed around a broad, integrated approach rather than being limited to one technology or a narrow set of reforms. It combines market development, operational improvements, resilience, technology adoption, and public understanding.

13) What are the main objectives of J-SET?

J-SET is organized around five broad objectives: (1) operationalize and integrate regional energy markets, (2) improve energy system operations and integrate cost-effective clean energy technologies without sacrificing reliability, (3) strengthen resilience and disaster/extreme-event response capabilities, (4) increase adoption of U.S.-developed or U.S.-supplied grid-enhancing and other advanced technologies and best practices, and (5) improve stakeholder and public understanding of the clean energy transition and its benefits.

14) What does it mean to "operationalize and integrate regional energy markets" under Objective 1?

This objective focuses on building or improving the systems and rules needed for functioning wholesale and retail electricity markets, including specialized market products such as capacity markets and ancillary services. It also points toward coordinated regional trading and market coupling where appropriate, so power can flow and be priced more efficiently across borders and jurisdictions.

15) Why does J-SET emphasize regional market integration?

Integrated markets can reduce costs, improve reliability by sharing reserves and flexibility, and create stronger investment signals for cleaner generation and grid resources. The opportunity description highlights these practical benefits as reasons to move beyond isolated national systems when feasible.

16) What is covered under Objective 2 related to system operations and clean energy integration?

Objective 2 focuses on best practices for operating the energy system and integrating cost-effective clean energy technologies into existing networks while maintaining or improving reliability. It includes operational improvements such as dispatch practices, forecasting, balancing, congestion management, and grid planning.

17) Does Objective 2 include technical frameworks like grid codes or interconnection processes?

Yes. The description indicates work may involve technical standards, grid codes, interconnection processes, and utility operating procedures that help ensure clean energy resources can be reliably connected and delivered to customers.

18) What is meant by improving resilience and response capabilities under Objective 3?

This objective addresses energy security and grid robustness in the face of disasters, extreme events, and other disruptions. It emphasizes strengthening preparedness planning, improving restoration and emergency response processes, enhancing coordination among relevant institutions, and supporting faster recovery when disruptions occur.

19) What kinds of threats or disruptions are contemplated in Objective 3?

The description references climate-driven hazards, cyber and physical threats, and other disruptions, reflecting the broader energy security environment affecting modern power systems.

20) What is Objective 4 about, and why does it highlight U.S. technologies?

Objective 4 aims to increase adoption of U.S.-developed or U.S.-supplied grid-enhancing and other advanced technologies and best practices by energy institutions in Europe and Eurasia. The opportunity signals that USAID is interested not only in reform and capacity building, but also in encouraging deployment and institutional familiarity with modern tools that improve grid performance.

21) Does the opportunity specify which grid-enhancing technologies will be supported?

No specific technologies are listed in the provided description. It notes, however, that "grid-enhancing" generally refers to solutions that improve the efficiency, flexibility, observability, and throughput of existing networks, along with advanced operational practices for managing cleaner and more complex power systems.

22) What is Objective 5 focused on?

Objective 5 aims to improve understanding among local stakeholders and the public about the clean energy transition and its benefits to communities and citizens. It recognizes that the transition is not purely technical and depends on public trust, clear communication, and stakeholder engagement.

23) What types of activities are implied under Objective 5?

The description points to outreach, stakeholder consultations, transparent communication strategies, and efforts to connect transition policies to local benefits such as cleaner air, improved service quality, job creation pathways, and reduced long-term energy costs.

24) What does the opportunity suggest about USAID's preferred approach to implementation?

The opportunity description suggests USAID is looking for a comprehensive approach that connects policy and regulation with real-world operational improvements and stakeholder buy-in, rather than isolated or purely technical interventions.

25) When was this opportunity created, and what was the original closing date?

The opportunity was created on April 27, 2022, and the original closing date was May 18, 2022.