The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a funding initiative of up to US$15 million for three innovative energy storage projects. The funding aims to enhance energy resiliency and support critical facilities during emergencies.
Binghamton University is set to receive US$5 million for its project titled the ‘Resilient Energy System based on high-voltage PhosphatE Cell Technology’ (RESPECT). This initiative focuses on bio-mineralized lithium mixed-metal phosphate grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) to bolster energy resilience at a critical services facility located in Endicott, New York. Notably, Binghamton hosts a battery innovation center led by Professor Stanley Whittingham, a pioneer in lithium-ion battery technology. Recent discussions during an Energy-Storage.news webinar, supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA), highlighted the city and Broome County’s integral roles in New York State’s battery storage supply chain.
Inlyte Energy will receive US$4.1 million for its project focused on developing an ‘Iron and Sodium Long Duration Battery for Multi-day Resilience and Renewable Shifting in High Wildfire Risk Zone.’ Collaborating with its partners, Inlyte will demonstrate a long-duration energy storage (LDES) system that enhances energy resiliency at the Alliance Redwoods site in Occidental, California. Having secured initial funding in 2023 to advance its iron and salt-based battery technology, Inlyte’s solution is noted for its high efficiency, long lifespan, competitive energy density, excellent safety measures, and low costs.
Long Hill Energy Partners is also awarded US$5 million for its project, ‘Demonstration of Low-Cost, Organic Quinone Flow Battery.’ This initiative will showcase Quino Energy’s organic quinone flow battery aimed at improving energy resilience at the High Desert Regional Health Centre (HDRHC) in Lancaster, California. Earlier in April, it was reported that Quino and Long Hill received US$10 million from the California Energy Commission (CEC) for this project, bringing the total funding for the three initiatives to US$14.1 million.
The DOE’s Office of Electricity (OE) emphasizes that these projects are designed to support critical infrastructure during power outages or emergencies. However, the announcement notably omits details regarding the renewable energy aspects of these projects or the potential jobs they may create, contrasting with previous DOE announcements during the Biden-Harris administration. Gil Bindewald, the principal deputy assistant secretary for electricity, remarked that these projects are essential for maintaining critical infrastructure, ensuring the nation’s electricity grid remains reliable and secure amidst emerging threats.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/us-department-of-energy-allocates-15-million-for-innovative-energy-storage-projects/
