Sens. Collins, Smith introduce bill to improve nation’s energy storage capabilities

Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) recently led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing the Promoting Grid Storage Act of 2019.

The legislation aims to boost research and development of technologies to enhance energy storage capabilities. It complements the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act introduced by Sens. Collins and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) last week, which would support grid-scale energy storage research and development and improve the efficiency of the U.S. electric grid.

The Promoting Grid Storage Act of 2019 is also supported by Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).

“Unlocking the next generation of energy storage technology will unleash the potential of renewable energy and will be a powerful tool to help slow climate change,” Collins said. “This legislation takes a holistic approach to advance promising research and support technical assistance for all types of energy storage. Together with the BEST Act, which I introduced along with Senators Heinrich, Smith, Gardner, and a bipartisan group of Senators to promote grid-scale energy storage, we are making significant strides to promote clean, renewable energy. I urge our colleagues to join us in this bipartisan effort.”

The Promoting Grid Storage Act of 2019 would authorize $1.05 billion in funding over five years to improve coordination and collaboration of Department of Energy (DOE) energy storage research efforts, fund DOE grants to assist public and private entities that want to expand their energy storage capabilities and provide grants for pilot storage systems to help move energy-storage technologies from the laboratory to deployment.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the American Public Power Association, and the Energy Storage Association have endorsed the bill.