U.S. Department of Energy to Pump $100M Into Non-Lithium Battery Storage Projects
The US government’s Department of Energy (DOE) is set to put $100 million into projects using non-lithium batteries for long-term energy storage.
According to DCD, The DOE has issued a notice of intent offering to fund pilot-scale energy storage demonstration projects that focus on “non-lithium technologies, long-duration (10+ hour discharge) systems, and stationary storage applications.”
Such systems could form an important part of the transition to renewable energy for data center operators and grid providers, allowing them to capture and store solar or wind power at times of high supply so that it can be used when resources are scarce. They could also underpin backup power systems by storing renewable energy for use in emergencies
The DOE expects the US will need an additional 700-900GW if the nation is to reach its 2050 net zero target. “Short duration energy storage is already supporting the grid, but continued deployment of variable renewable energy may push the requirement beyond the energy storage systems that exist today,” a statement from the department said.