The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 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, Wash., where pioneering researchers can test energy storage capabilities in a realistic environment. Today, OE joined PNNL in opening the 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.  

“This new Grid Storage Launchpad is where we will transform the energy storage industry, which is a key to modernizing the U.S. electric grid,” said Dr. Geri Richmond, DOE’s Under Secretary for Science and Innovation. “The scientists and researchers who test everything from smaller prototype batteries to large, grid-scale battery systems will lead us forward into a new world where energy storage is safer, durable, and more affordable. When we bring the smartest minds in the industry and give them the tools to advance energy storage, we move our nation that much closer to a cleaner energy future.” 

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.  

Learn more about OE. 

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