The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Adoption Readiness Level (ARL) ratings for the technologies in this tool were assessed by considering all technologies that fit under the broad category, rather than individual technologies or products. Furthermore, when there are multiple technologies in the same category, the rating is assigned based on the technology with the highest ratings. For example, the topic of Composite Core Conductors covers all recent conductor innovations relating to composite core technologies. While new designs and technologies are constantly being developed, the ratings provided by this tool are reflective of the most mature option available.
Technology Readiness Level
The TRL framework is a tool to assess the maturation of a technology as it is being developed based on documented evidence of performance. The ratings range from 1 to 9, with the lowest levels representing technologies that are largely theoretical, or simulation based, while the highest levels describe fully functional technologies in use by end users. The ratings are not subjective and for a technology to be assigned a level there must be evidence that it has been demonstrated under the right conditions. More information on the criteria used can be found here: DOE Technology Assessment Guide.
Adoption Readiness Level
The ARL framework is a tool to assess the adoption challenges facing a technology as it matures from early prototype to commercialization and broad deployment. The ARL framework complements the widely adopted TRL framework by extending beyond technical risks to capture non-technical considerations such as Value Proposition, Market Acceptance, Resource Maturity, and License to Operate. DOE’s Office of Technology Commercialization created the Commercial Adoption Readiness Assessment Tool (CARAT) to assist with the designation of ARLs. The tool provides a structured framework to assess risks across 17 dimensions with definitions for what constitutes as low, medium, or high in each. More information on the CARAT can be found here: Commercial Adoption Readiness Assessment Tool (CARAT)_030323.pdf
Together, TRL and ARL presents a more comprehensive picture of the challenges facing a technology and the barriers that may be preventing it from being broadly deployed. Some technologies may be mature with high TRLs, but regulatory or economic challenges may inhibit their adoption, yielding low ARLs. Other technologies may still be in development with low TRLs but have an easy pathway into established markets giving them high ARLs. Considering both technical and non-technical risks simultaneously can help potential users better understand the state of these technologies.