The US Department of Energy is launching a $505 million initiative to boost deployment and cut costs associated with increased long-duration energy storage systems, Kallanish reports.

The agency has issued a request for information seeking public input on the Biden administration plan, known as the Long Duration Energy Storage for Everyone, Everywhere Initiative. Comments must be submitted by 16 June.

Battery storage is a key element as the US deploys more wind and solar projects to produce clean electricity, and battery storage systems enable electricity to be stored until it is needed.

The money is coming from President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will be allocated over four years to help lower battery storage costs and to increase the duration of energy storage resources.  There will be grants for demonstration, validation and piloting projects. The programme will be directed by the DOE’s new Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations. DOE will also collaborate with the Department of Defense on long-duration storage demonstrations at governmental facilities.

“The ability to move cheaper, cleaner electricity where and when it is needed most is the linchpin to a reliable energy grid and critical to meeting President Biden’s clean energy goals,” says Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.