Energy storage is considered the “Holy Grail” of clean energy advancement because it addresses renewable energy’s intermittency challenges, which is why CRES Executive Director Heather Reams applauded the Department of Energy for its newest initiative, the “Energy Storage Grand Challenge.” This comprehensive program seeks to “accelerate the development, commercialization, and utilization of next-generation energy storage technologies and sustain American global leadership in energy storage.”
In her statement, Reams noted: “Energy storage is an important investment for our country as it facilitates the stockpiling of power when we need it the most, and that’s why CRES is pleased to see the Department of Energy, under Secretary Dan Brouillette’s leadership, make such a strong push in support of this technology.”
The Challenge will cover a wide range of emerging technologies, including new and improved battery chemistries, advancements in pumped hydro storage, thermal storage with molten salt, and hydrogen. Energy storage is especially exciting because it allows all sources of renewable energy to become available even when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow. CRES is pleased to see the Department lead on energy storage, especially since Congress failed to enact an investment tax credit to advance energy storage.
CRES is encouraged by the Department’s strong leadership on energy storage, and is hopeful that this is the year that congressional action will be taken to give the energy storage market and technologies the tax credit expansion it needs to address our energy challenges. As we move toward a clean energy future and an increase in advanced technologies, energy storage is poised to lead the way.
