RICHLAND, Wash.-A new research facility to develop energy storage for the electrical grid and transportation was dedicated on Aug. 13.
The 93,000 square foot Grid Storage Launchpad, funded by the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, will be home to all of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s energy storage researchers.
“Energy storage will be a significant part of a resilient and reliable grid that’s fully decarbonized,” said Vince Sprenkle, energy storage expert and GSL’s first director. “GSL is truly an integrated facility that incorporates everything from fundamental materials research to testing 100-kilowatt batteries.”
Scientists, legislators and Department of Energy officials, including Maria Cantwell, dedicated the GSL, which will house 30 laboratories and about 100 researchers.
As a DOE research and development facility, GSL will enable collaboration with research institutions and industry partners to address technical challenges associated with energy storage technologies, including advancements to improve performance and reduce cost, according to a PNNL press release on the new facility.
“The GSL will house some of the world’s most accomplished scientists and engineers from PNNL, other national labs, academia, and industry—working together to develop real-world solutions that will benefit our nation and the world,” said Laboratory Director Steve Ashby at the dedication.
The GSL will allow researchers to evaluate and test new battery materials from conception up to 100-kilowatt battery systems under realistic grid operating conditions.
According to today’s press release, this will allow for the advanced development and deployment of new grid-scale storage technologies.
“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 Geri Richmond, DOE Under Secretary for Science and Innovation.
The GSL will also serve as a center to help educate technicians, first responders, safety officials, grid operators and others about the operation and safety of energy storage systems, according to PNNL.
The design and construction of the GSL was federally funded and leveraged with funding from Battelle, PNNL and the state of Washington.
