As the United States modernizes the electric grid with more carbon-free and renewable energy technologies, the complex balance of supply and demand becomes harder to maintain, posing potential risk of damage to grid infrastructure and unplanned outages for customers. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) energy storage experts express a need for continued investment in developing and deploying long-duration energy storage. Read more.

Regional wind data from around the U.S. helps improve a national weather forecasting model, which allows utility companies better plan for windy days. Read more.

On Tuesday, August 22 three PNNL subject matter experts, Jeff Dagle, Nathalie Voisin, and Casey Burleyson, were featured in our second of three Masters of Natural Disasters Ask Me Anything (AMA) on Reddit’s science channel. The trio addressed questions related to extreme heat/drought and the grid. Check out the questions and answers here.

“We recognize that grid innovation must lower cost while increasing reliability, resilience, and security,” said Gene Rodrigues, Assistant Secretary for Electricity. “Demonstrations from the two companies we selected will inspire cost-effective new solutions for making the benefits of long-duration energy storage accessible for every American community.” Read more.

On August 16 and 17, the DOE-OE Deputy Assistant Secretary Eric Hsieh and Director of Energy Storage Validation Mohamed Kamaludeen visited the PNNL Richland campus and toured the Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL) facility. Currently under construction, the facility will open in 2024. "The future of grid-scale energy storage is exciting, and PNNL is proud to steward GSL's capabilities for the nation. Our work allows us to support DOE-OE beyond research programs, initiatives, and leadership - and foster collaboration among government, industry, and academia partners," said PNNL Energy Storage Strategic Advisor Vince Sprenkle. 

About the GSL: The PNNL campus in Richland, Washington will be the home to the DOE-OE new $75 million facility, the Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL), a national grid energy storage research and development (R&D) facility that includes funding from the State of Washington, Battelle, and PNNL to provide support for GSL equipment and R&D activities that complement the DOE OE investment. As a home for innovative research, testing, and training, the GSL is critical for a future resilient, reliable, and flexible U.S. electric grid that will enable decarbonization of energy supply, ensure transition of cars from oil to electric, and unlock a broad array of economic and societal benefits for all U.S. citizens. The facility will foster collaboration between national labs and other stakeholders to support OE’s mission, the the Energy Storage Grand Challenge, and the Long Duration Storage Shot. 

Left to right: Eric Hsieh, Matthew Paiss (PNNL Technical Advisor), Vince Sprenkle, and Mohamed Kamaludeen. Photo by Andrea Starr (PNNL)

ABOUT THIS WEBINAR: Pumped storage hydropower is currently the largest form of long-duration energy storage in the United States. For this interactive panel, PNNL Project Manager Bo Saulsbury will host special guests who will share their perspectives on this technology, highlighting the role and value of pumped storage hydropower in supporting our clean energy future as well as challenges faced with deployment.

Jeff Dagle was quoted in the  International Telecommunication Union article, "Future of time: Synchronization of electric power networks"  and in the Capital Press article, "Electricity's 'new era' is here. Can we keep the lights on?".

Kevin Schneider was quoted in Grist "Utilities are getting sued over wildfires. Who's bearing the cost?".

Utility Dive quoted Wei Wang in an article titled, "DOE lab boosts flow battery capacity, life using starch derivative in breakthrough research." The article discusses research PNNL published in Joule, detailing the first use of a dissolved simple sugar to boost battery longevity and capacity.

The above-mentioned PNNL study was also covered by pv magazine in an article titled, "Unexpected element improves flow battery capacity, claim US researchers." 

A PNNL paper, "2022 Grid Energy Storage Technology Cost and Performance Assessment" was cited in an IEEE Spectrum article, "Liquid-Metal Battery Will Be on the Grid Next Year".

Capacity Markets for Transactive Energy Systems (Report) Read more.

Transactive Energy Rationing in Islanded Electric Power Systems (Journal Article) IEEE Transactions on Industry Application 59, Read more.

Transmission-distribution long-term volt-var planning considering reactive power support capability of distributed PV (Journal Article) International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems 138 Read more.

Price Formation and Grid Operation Impacts from Variable Renewable Energy Resources (Report) Read more.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory draws on its distinguishing strengths in chemistry, Earth sciences, biology and data science to advance scientific knowledge and address challenges in sustainable energy and national security. Founded in 1965, PNNL is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, which is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. DOE’s Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the PNNL's News Center. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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