Bill would speed up federal development of long-duration energy storage technologies

Published on July 11, 2019 by Kim Riley


Warning: Undefined variable $post_id in /var/www/dailyenergyinsider.com/wp-content/themes/dei/single.php on line 31

Warning: Undefined variable $post_id in /var/www/dailyenergyinsider.com/wp-content/themes/dei/single.php on line 36
© Shutterstock

U.S. Sens. Angus King (I-ME) and Martha McSally (R-AZ) introduced legislation to hasten the development of long-duration energy storage technologies that would support an electrical grid dominated by renewable generation such as solar and wind.

The Joint Long-Term Storage Act of 2019, S. 2048, would require the U.S. Secretary of Energy to establish a demonstration initiative focused on the development of long-duration energy storage technologies, including the establishment of a joint program with the U.S. Secretary of Defense, according to the bill’s text.

The wider availability of long-duration energy storage would allow American consumers to store excess energy for use during non-peak production hours; increase the reliability of renewable energy; and reduce the transportation of flammable liquid fuels by the U.S. military, according to a one-page summary of the bill provided by the lawmakers.

“Storage is the key to fully unlocking the immense potential of renewable energy, giving us options when the clouds are out and the skies are still,” King said. “Effective and long-lasting energy storage technology will reduce our carbon footprint, increase the reliability of our electric grid, and improve our national security – in short, it will make a major difference in the lives of the American people. This legislation will maximize our important investments in this field, so researchers from different departments can work from the best information available to advance their shared goal.”

McSally added that, “In addition to advancing Arizona’s clean energy leadership, breakthroughs in long-term energy storage technology can improve the safety and resiliency of our military installations.”

If enacted, the joint program established under S. 2048 would enable the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Energy to maximize their use of federal research funding to develop these technologies.

“By leveraging the joint expertise of both the Department of Energy and Defense, this legislation will ensure federal research dollars are used efficiently and effectively,” McSally said.

The bill has garnered the support of the Energy Storage Association, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and the Maine Renewable Energy Association.