OE Grid Galaxy - August Edition

Message from Gene:

This month’s issue shines a spotlight on the grand opening of the Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL), a research and testing facility funded by the Office of Electricity at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Simply put, we believe GSL will be a game changer for the future of energy storage. To learn why, please read the whole story below but, in the meantime, let me take a minute to briefly outline why I think GSL will matter so much for our industry partners.

It starts with the fact that GSL will be a trusted proving ground for validating the performance of cutting-edge energy storage materials and systems. That trust stems from the fact that testing at GSL will be done in the context of replicated real-world grid conditions. We will use advanced equipment and rigorous testing protocols to provide innovators with the capability to review materials and systems even at very early stages of development, so prototyping can be done quickly and cost-effectively. This capability will allow innovators to explore cost-reduction measures at all stages of solution development.

GSL is also purpose-built to serve as a hub for collaboration. DOE researchers and scientists will be working side-by-side in coordination with industry to create energy storage solutions that will be readily accepted in the real world. Public-private sector collaboration at GSL also opens pathways to standardized comprehensive training for every aspect of energy storage utilization and covering every stakeholder interest, from operations to public safety. The public-private collaboration between scientists, researchers, innovators, and decision makers that will take place at GSL is the perfect setting to advance and accelerate grid-scale energy storage.

GSL will certainly lead to innovative technology that will determine our path to a clean energy future, but perhaps most importantly, it will help to integrate energy storage into the ecosystem of the electric grid. The Office of Electricity is committed not just to developing the technology that we require to assure that our nation’s energy needs are met. Our mission is to foster the necessary transformation of the grid to include energy storage as a principal component. Energy storage is key to our vision of a reliable, resilient, affordable, and secure American power system.

I hope this brief overview conveys why I am so excited about the possibilities and opportunities that GSL opens for us. And I hope it whets your appetite to learn more about GSL in this issue.

Speaking about opportunities, I want to encourage you to provide feedback by Sept. 20 to the GridWise Alliance on industry progress toward grid modernization. Your feedback will inform the upcoming 2024 Grid Modernization Index Report, which is targeted for publication in December. Register for a GridWise webinar on Aug. 21 at 3 p.m. ET, to learn more about the effort.

In partnership,

U.S. Department of Energy Launches Advanced Energy Storage Research and Testing Facility

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) ’s Office of Electricity (OE) is advancing electric grid resilience, reliability, and security with a new high-tech facility at the Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) in Richland, WA, where pioneering researchers can test energy storage capabilities in a realistic environment. On August 13th, OE joined PNNL in opening the OE-funded 93,000 square foot Grid Storage Launchpad?(GSL), which will revolutionize clean energy innovation through advanced battery research.??

The GSL will support OE’s efforts to develop grid-scale energy storage technology by enabling testing and validation of next-generation materials and systems under realistic grid operating conditions. It will help secure our nation’s leadership role in accelerating, collaborating and educating others on the benefits of energy storage.??

The GSL will advance next-generation grid storage technologies by bringing in industry and national lab researchers who can conduct independent tests and validate basic materials and prototypes that are safer, more cost effective and durable.?

"The Grid Storage Launchpad is a game-changer—it’s the proving ground where the energy industry can come to test and validate the most advanced next-generation energy storage technologies,” said Gene Rodrigues, Assistant Secretary for Electricity. “The GSL will advance and accelerate the use of energy storage to modernize the power grid to make it even more reliable and resilient, while giving all Americans greater access to affordable clean energy.”?

The facility will foster collaboration between national labs and other stakeholders to support?OE’s mission, the?Energy Storage Grand Challenge, and the?Long Duration Storage Shot.??

Strategic funding from the State of Washington, Battelle and PNNL complements OE’s investment in the GSL.

Watt’s New at OE

Energy Storage Grand Challenge Summit Recap

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) 4th Annual Energy Storage Grand Challenge Summit Aug. 7-9 in Bellevue, WA, was the prime opportunity for attendees to explore pathways to grid-scale energy storage. About 170 industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and innovators from around the nation convened to tackle the greatest energy storage challenges and advancements.?

"Together, both the public and private sectors, can drive action towards a sustainable energy future. Let’s accelerate the deployment of energy storage solutions and shape the future of clean and sustainable energy that is accessible and reliable for all. Let’s unlock the true potential of energy storage and create a brighter, greener tomorrow," said Dr. Geri Richmond, Under Secretary for Science and Innovation, during the event's keynote.?

From discussions on DOE’s Energy Earthshots and moving technology into the marketplace to presentations on future strategies and panels on future investments, the agenda was jam packed with thought-provoking topics. The summit concluded with announcement of the Storage Acceleration voucher selections that will provide an opportunity for innovators to work with national labs to move their technologies forward.

In Case You Missed It

Provide Your Feedback

The GridWise Alliance is preparing to collect feedback from key stakeholders on grid-related issues. This is the industry standard for collecting and reporting the status of U.S. grid modernization. If you are a state utility regulator, state energy policy maker, or an employee of an electric utility or transmission-only entity such as an ISO, RTO or TransCo, then please provide your input.