Long-Duration Energy Storage

Background 

From providing critical backup power during natural disasters to supporting more renewable energy coming online, energy storage technologies make the grid more flexible and resilient. Today’s energy storage technologies are not sufficiently scaled or affordable enough to meet energy demand that fluctuates throughout the day and night. Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is a cost-effective option to increase grid reliability and resilience so that reliable, affordable electricity is available whenever and wherever to everyone. DOE defines LDES as storage systems capable of delivering electricity for 10 or more hours in duration. 

Program Overview 

The Long-Duration Energy Storage portfolio helps to advance LDES systems toward widespread commercial deployment. The goal of this portfolio is to fund projects that will overcome the technical and institutional barriers that exist for deployment, with a focus on different technology types for a diverse set of regions.  

The LDES portfolio includes the following programs: 

  • Long-Duration Energy Storage Demonstrations Program: These projects will help effectively demonstrate the commercial viability of innovative LDES technologies and facilitate wider commercial adoption. 
  • DOE/DOD Long-Duration Energy Storage Joint Program: These projects will demonstrate LDES technologies on government facilities through collaboration between DOE and Department of Defense (DOD). 
  • Long-Duration Energy Storage Pilot Program: These projects will advance a diverse set of LDES technologies towards commercial viability and utility-scale demonstrations. 

Announcements

Resources