The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) is making a significant push towards advancing non-lithium long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies with a new funding initiative. The OCED has announced its intention to provide up to $100 million to support pilot demonstration projects aimed at commercializing and deploying non-lithium, long-duration stationary storage technologies.
With the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, the need for large-scale energy storage solutions has become increasingly crucial. Current short-duration lithium-ion batteries may not be sufficient to handle the demands of a grid powered mainly by variable renewable energy resources. This is where LDES technologies come into play, offering the ability to store energy for extended periods, often ranging from eight to 12 hours.
Various alternative technologies, including chemical, thermal, and electrochemical batteries, are already available on the market. Companies like Redflow, BASF, AEsir Technologies, and e-Zinc are developing innovative non-lithium battery chemistries for LDES applications, providing longer energy storage times and increased reliability compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
The integration of LDES systems with microgrid technologies is also being explored by the U.S. government, with projects underway to test the effectiveness of these systems in remote military installations and tribal lands. The funding requirements for the OCED’s initiative will emphasize collaboration between technology providers, utilities, developers, and financiers to ensure a clear path to commercial adoption.
As the U.S. continues its transition to a net-zero emissions economy by 2050, the development of non-lithium LDES technologies will play a critical role in supporting the growth of renewable energy sources and ensuring a reliable and sustainable power grid for the future. Stay tuned for more details on the funding solicitation notice expected to be released later this year.
