PNNL researchers develop way to store large amounts of renewable energy

Researchers from the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a new way to store large amounts of energy from renewable sources.

The research is focused on vanadium redox flow batteries, which are large batteries designed to store massive amounts of energy for long periods. They have the potential to store energy from both wind and solar sources for use when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. PNNL has already partnered with two companies bringing this technology to market. Now, a third and final semi-exclusive battery technology license is available.

“This emerging grid-scale storage technology has great commercial and energy security potential. We are eager to partner with additional industry partners to bring this technology to market and to support expanded use of renewable energies on the grid,” Allan Tuan, commercialization manager for energy, grid, and advanced fuel research at PNNL, said.

In addition, PNNL has developed a mixed-acid electrolyte that can store more energy than many other technologies over a wide range of temperatures. This technology, which is compatible with redox flow battery technology, is currently licensed and available on a non-exclusive basis to chemical manufacturers.

“PNNL offers technologies on a competitive basis to potential industry partners with the goal of enhancing national security and providing taxpayers the maximum return on impact,” Christina Lomasney, director of commercialization at PNNL, said. “Once we have selected licensing partners, PNNL collaborates closely with them to support and improve the success of their market offering.”

PNNL is the future home of the Grid Storage Launchpad, where PNNL researchers and others will explore large-scale energy storage for the grid.