In recognition of World Energy Storage Day (September 22, every year), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) brings you a special edition showcasing our research and the staff members who help us be a leader in the energy storage field.

At PNNL, we connect cutting-edge fundamental scientists with end-use domain experts to discover and develop new energy storage technologies that can support a future decarbonized world, including a clean, resilient electric grid. PNNL is building the Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL), an innovation and testing facility that will accelerate development, validation, and commercial readiness of storage systems for the power grid. The GSL will be open for operations in 2024.

Watch the short Charging Ahead video for five energy storage innovations.

We've gathered many more highlights on our PNNL World Energy Storage Day webpage, including videos, technology, and additional newsworthy announcements.

Let's get into some of the ways we are advancing energy storage for the world!

With specific expertise and leadership in key energy storage areas, PNNL is celebrating World Energy Storage Day by highlighting four of our “Energy Storage Power Players.” 

Meet our experts Cassidy Anderson (battery materials researcher), Joshua Lochala (fundamental battery researcher), Matthew Paiss (battery safety and reliability advisor), and Jennifer Yoshimura (advisor). Get to know them here.

Catch PNNL subject matter expert Vince Sprenkle as a panelist on Friday, September 22, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. PDT (3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT) at the Global Virtual World Energy Day Stationary Energy Storage Session. He will discuss DOE storage initiatives, including the Energy Storage Grand Challenge, the Rapid Operational Validation Initiative, and the GSL.

PNNL’s Grid Storage Launchpad delivers tomorrow’s energy storage solutions today. In a decarbonized, electrified future, next-generation batteries will improve the reliability and resilience of the electrical grid while allowing increased integration of renewable energy. These batteries will also be able to provide backup power during or after natural disasters, like ice storms, extreme heat waves, hurricanes, and more. GSL is funded by the DOE Office of Electricity. 

Two PNNL staff members have received awards from the Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Initiative, a DOE collaboration that seeks to close the gender gap and increase the participation, leadership, and success of women in clean energy fields. Jie Xiao, Battelle Fellow and the Battery Materials and Systems group manager, received the C3E Technology Research and Innovation award for researching and developing advanced innovative clean energy technologies with the potential for demonstrable and scalable impact. Her research has led to breakthroughs in long-cycling, next-generation high-energy lithium metal batteries and novel battery materials to aid in the development of a domestic manufacturing capability for clean energy technologies. Read more.

PNNL experts are back on Reddit's Ask Me Anything. Catch up with Karthik Balaguru, Marcelo Elizondo, and David Judi on Monday, September 25, in our third "Masters of Natural Disasters" series. The trio will discuss the science of hurricanes and their impact on power to communities. You'll find these three subject matter experts on Reddit’s science channel from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PDT (2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT).  

As part of World Energy Storage Day, PNNL is highlighting the Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL), the premier battery storage research and development facility under construction in Richland, Washington. Now over 90 percent complete, this building will be ready to house research and collaborators in 2024. Stay updated on the latest GSL information through this newsletter or by signing up for PNNL's energy and environment news releases.

About the GSL: The GSL is 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 for research and development activities that complement the DOE Office of Electricity 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. The facility will foster collaboration among national labs and other stakeholders to support OE’s mission, the Energy Storage Grand Challenge, and the Long Duration Storage Shot. 

Group photo (above): Project Manager Tim Hubbard takes time during a recent tour to explain the intricacies of the complex mechanical systems that support research needs.

Laboratory photo (below left): This is one of the three educational laboratories within the GSL facility, which include walk-in fume hoods. There are 30 laboratory modules within GSL providing materials characterization, analytical, high-performance instrument, material development, and testing and validation space to support advancement of battery research.

GSL exterior (below right): Construction of the GSL facility is 92 percent complete as of mid-September. Exterior hardscape and landscaping activities are nearly complete with commissioning of the facility set to begin in October.

Long-Duration Energy Storage: The Time Is Now

States with decarbonization goals must plan, prepare, and test for long-duration energy storage. 

Next-Generation Flow Battery Design Sets Record

Sugar additives play a surprise role, boosting flow battery capacity and longevity for this grid energy resilience design.

New Sodium, Aluminum Battery Aims to Integrate Renewables for Grid Resiliency

Low-cost, Earth-abundant raw materials power a new grid energy storage solution. 

Advancing Energy Storage for a Clean Future

PNNL Lab Director Steve Ashby's column highlights research in ensuring that reliable, affordable, and resilient energy is available when and where needed. 

Examples of PNNL energy-storage technologies include a variety of apparatuses and methods for redox flow, lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and lithium-metal batteries. With our patented innovations, PNNL is knocking down barriers to superior performance and cost prohibitions. Click here to browse our intellectual property and learn 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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