ARKANSAS, Sept 23 (Future Headlines)- The United States is on the cusp of a transformative energy revolution fueled by the Energy Department’s $325 million investment in cutting-edge battery technology. These batteries promise to bridge the gap between intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind and the constant demand for power. The funds will be distributed among 15 innovative projects in 17 states, with a notable partnership involving the Red Lake Nation, a Native American tribe based in Minnesota.

Batteries have become an indispensable component of the clean energy transition, providing a way to store surplus renewable energy for use during periods of low sunlight or wind. This announcement marks a significant step towards achieving 24-hour, renewable energy production, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and significantly curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the most pressing challenges in the renewable energy sector is achieving long-term energy storage capabilities. While traditional lithium-ion batteries can store energy for several hours, the focus is now shifting towards technologies that can provide sustained power throughout the night or during extended cloudy periods. Christopher Rahn, a professor of mechanical engineering at Pennsylvania State University, emphasizes the importance of this endeavor, noting that every region in the U.S. grapples with intermittent renewable energy sources. Solar power, for instance, is reliant on daylight hours, and wind turbines may not always spin due to fluctuating winds. The key is to harness the energy generated during favorable conditions and deploy it when needed most.

Long-duration battery storage is poised to become the cornerstone of climate change mitigation efforts. By offering a consistent and reliable power supply, even during adverse weather conditions, these batteries enable a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel power plants, particularly natural gas, and coal-fired facilities, can be switched off when renewable energy sources are abundant, further reducing carbon emissions.

Jodie Lutkenhaus, a professor of chemical engineering at Texas A&M University, likens long-duration battery storage to a “rainy-day savings account for energy.” This analogy underscores the critical role these technologies play in ensuring grid stability and mitigating climate change. To ensure the widespread adoption of long-duration battery storage, it’s essential that the batteries use readily available and environmentally friendly materials. This approach avoids overreliance on mined resources, such as lithium, which can have detrimental environmental impacts. Long-duration batteries must also meet the specific needs of regions with rapidly expanding solar and wind power generation, like California, New York, and Hawaii.

The projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 showcase a diverse range of long-duration battery solutions, some of which provide up to 100 hours of continuous power:

Xcel Energy’s Partnership with Form Energy: This initiative aims to deploy two 10-megawatt batteries that can last for an impressive 100 hours. These batteries will be placed at the sites of coal plants that are being phased out in Becker, Minnesota, and Pueblo, Colorado. This project exemplifies the transition towards clean power installations at existing energy sites, encouraged by new federal incentives.

California’s Valley Children’s Hospital: In an underserved community in Madera, California, a battery system will be installed to enhance the reliability of the Valley Children’s Hospital. This system will safeguard the hospital from potential power disruptions caused by wildfires, floods, or extreme heat waves. This project is led by the California Energy Commission in collaboration with Faraday Microgrids.

Second Life Smart Systems: This forward-looking initiative spans multiple states, including Georgia, California, South Carolina, and Louisiana. It repurposes retired but still potent electric vehicle batteries to provide backup power for senior centers, affordable housing complexes, and electric vehicle charging stations. This creative approach not only extends the lifecycle of batteries but also supports sustainable energy solutions.

Rejoule’s Innovative Project: Rejoule, a battery diagnostics company, is undertaking a project that utilizes retired electric vehicle batteries at three locations: Petaluma, California; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and a worker training center at the Red Lake Nation. This initiative showcases the potential for reusing batteries beyond their initial application, contributing to sustainability efforts.

Energy Undersecretary for Infrastructure David Crane highlights the significance of these projects. They serve as proof that long-duration battery technologies can operate effectively at scale, aiding utilities in planning for extended energy storage solutions while simultaneously driving down costs.

Elisabeth Moyer, an associate professor of atmospheric science at the University of Chicago, emphasizes that a cost-effective battery solution would remove one of the major barriers to a renewable transition. However, she underscores the importance of addressing material availability and managing waste generated by this technology. Ultimately, these investments in long-duration batteries represent a monumental stride towards a future powered by sustainable, uninterrupted energy. They set the stage for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy grid, paving the way for a world less reliant on fossil fuels and more committed to mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Writing by Alireza Sabet; Editing by Sarah White