U.S. Department of Energy Launches Advanced Energy Storage Research and Testing Facility

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.”