DOE Energy Storage: $15M Investment
The Department of Energy (DOE) is injecting nearly $15 million into innovative energy storage projects, a move poised to bolster the nation’s grid resilience. this strategic investment, detailed in the latest update from News Directory 3, focuses on maintaining power during outages and emergencies, ultimately modernizing the electric grid with advanced technology.Grants were awarded to Binghamton University, Long Hill Energy Partners, and Inlyte Energy inc. these projects leverage grid-scale battery energy storage systems and advanced flow battery technology to enhance the reliability of services. They will assist vital infrastructure, especially in regions prone to wildfires. By supporting innovative energy storage technologies, the DOE aims to improve the resilience, cost-effectiveness, and dependability of our energy system. Discover what’s next as we dive deeper into these initiatives.
DOE Funds Energy Storage projects to Bolster Grid Resilience
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is investing nearly $15 million in three energy storage projects designed to maintain power during emergencies and outages, enhancing energy resilience. These initiatives aim to modernize the nation’s electric grid through innovative energy storage technology solutions.
Gil Bindewald, principal deputy assistant electricity secretary, said the $15 million investment reinforces the commitment to a reliable, resilient, and secure electricity grid as the nation faces emerging threats. The funding,awarded June 25,supports projects that showcase how energy storage technologies can benefit critical infrastructure.
Binghamton University in New York and Long Hill Energy Partners in Cupertino, Calif., each received $5 million grants. Binghamton University will lead a partnership to advance a grid-scale battery energy storage system, improving energy resilience in Endicott, N.Y. Long hill Energy Partners will demonstrate a quinone flow battery as a power source at the High Desert Regional Health Center in northern Los Angeles County.
Inlyte Energy Inc. of San Leandro, Calif., secured a $4.1 million grant to develop an iron and sodium long-duration energy storage system for Alliance Redwoods in occidental, Calif.,an area prone to wildfires.The DOE selected these projects to promote innovative storage technologies from early-stage research to commercialization.
The DOE’s Office of Electricity, through the Critical Facility Energy Resilience program, is providing the grants. The office focuses on investments in innovative storage technologies to increase resiliency while remaining cost-effective, safe, and reliable.Each project has a performance period of up to 36 months.
The DOE emphasized the need for facilities to maintain critical services during events that cause grid outages. Traditional backup power solutions, like diesel generators, have drawbacks, including fuel storage needs, potential fuel delivery interruptions, maintenance, emissions, and limited value during non-emergencies. The DOE plays a key role in maintaining a secure and reliable national energy delivery system through research and advancement.
What’s next
These projects are expected to advance energy storage technologies, paving the way for wider commercial use and a more resilient national electricity grid capable of withstanding extreme weather, cyberattacks, and other threats.