Energy storage is critical to a resilient electrical grid, and the Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) plays a central role in advancing next-generation energy storage solutions. This 93,000-square-foot facility is designed to accelerate research and development in energy storage technologies. Read more here.
PFIB-SEM Relocates to GSL, Enhancing Battery Research Capabilities
The Helios Hydra UX DualBeam, recently installed at GSL, is key to furthering energy storage research. With its plasma-focused ion beam and scanning electron microscope, it enables scientists to closely examine the microstructures of battery materials, helping improve performance and fueling the development of more efficient, next-generation energy storage technologies. Read more here.
The Sodium-ion Alliance for Grid Energy Storage, led by PNNL, is focused on demonstrating high-performance, low-cost, and safe sodium-ion batteries tested for real-world grid applications.
PNNL hosted the 9th annual International Conference on Sodium Batteries, held from November 11-14, 2024. The event brought together more than 160 academic, industry, and policy experts, to discuss advancements in sustainable sodium battery technologies through keynotes, panels, and poster sessions. Eighty-one international participants were in attendance, representing sodium battery research taking place throughout the world including in Australia, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
PNNL Celebrates Klickitat Valley Health's Recent Energy Milestone
Klickitat Valley Health's fuel cell and microgrid project boosts rural healthcare, enhancing energy resilience and sustainability for social equity. Read more here.
PNNL Engineer Featured in Blog
Jaime Kolln, senior power systems engineer at PNNL, explores the role of energy storage, advanced inverters, and transactive energy systems in "Grid Edge Integration: The Key to Building a More Sustainable Power Grid" for Mouser Electronics. Kolln discussed how these technologies are essential for integrating renewable energy and decentralizing grid management, ultimately creating a more resilient and sustainable power grid. Read more here.
GSL Safety Designs Capture UL Attention
Matt Paiss, technical advisor at PNNL, presented at the UL Europe Energy Storage Safety Summit in Petten, Netherlands, on October 8-9. The presentation, titled "Deflagration Prevention for GSL Facility Design," focused on the GSL safety designs developed by Adam Jivelekas, safety engineering team lead at PNNL.
UPCOMING EVENTS
gridCONNEXT® 2024: December 10-11
gridCONNEXT® is the GridWise Alliance's hallmark annual event dedicated to grid modernization. Taking place in Washington, D.C. on December 10-11, 2024, it provides an opportunity to connect and share information with utility leaders, industry innovators, and forward-thinking policymakers who are shaping the future of the nation's electricity eco-system. Registration and event overview.
Safely Disposing of Batteries this Holiday Season and Beyond
The holidays are full of joy, surprises, and plenty of new, battery-powered gadgets. But as the festivities wind down, you may find yourself with a pile of used batteries. Tossing them in the trash can lead to safety hazards, so it’s important to dispose of them properly.
Start by identifying the types of batteries you have—whether alkaline, rechargeable, or button cells. Many rechargeable batteries, like lithium-ion, should never go in the trash due to their fire risk. Instead, gather your used batteries, tape over the terminals to prevent accidental discharge, and look for local recycling options. Many communities offer drop-off locations at electronics stores, recycling centers, or through household hazardous waste collection events. Using these resources helps you safely dispose of batteries, avoid clutter, and keep your home organized.
About Energy Storage at PNNL
PNNL research provides a clear understanding of the technology needs for integrating energy storage into the grid. We work with utilities and industry to assess the optimal role for energy storage installations under local operational and market conditions. Our research teams support field deployments where we work with stakeholders to characterize the value, understand usage and controls, and generally improve the benefits that energy storage systems provide to the grid. These data, provided to all stakeholders, assure that research development and deployment is working toward a cleaner power future for America.
Understanding the benefits of the wide variety of storage technologies and developing the critical advancements required to bring down the cost of energy storage will help integrate renewable power sources such as wind, solar, and marine energy and energize a modern, flexible, and resilient power grid.
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 onTwitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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