The deadline to submit a statement of intent is coming up on Oct. 18, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET! If you’re interested in manufacturing clean energy technology components related to long duration energy storage, this blog post delves into why these technologies can play a key role in building a reliable and resilient clean energy power system.
Why Do We Need Long Duration Energy Storage?
To decarbonize by 2050, the U.S. energy sector will require radical transformations, including decarbonization of the electric grid. The U.S. will need to transition to carbon-free power sources, such as renewables and nuclear to successfully decarbonize the power sector. As part of this transition, long duration energy storage (LDES) will be a key component to build a flexible and reliable clean energy grid.
LDES systems—which DOE defines as 10 or more hours in duration—can help communities more effectively integrate grid storage into their energy mix. However, the country has limited to no domestic manufacturing capacity to provide many critical components needed for these storage systems. For LDES to play a key role in a future carbon-free power system, annual manufacturing and deployment capacity must approach 10–15 gigawatts per year by 2035 and 30 gigawatts per year by 2040. LDES technologies can also help increase local control of the power system, build resilience for communities and minimize power grid disruptions.
How Can We Boost the Supply Chain for Long Duration Energy Storage Components?
LDES encompasses a broad variety of technologies and approaches. Facilities designed to manufacture and assemble components related to any technological approach to LDES are eligible to compete in the MAKE IT Prize if there is a clear path to commercial take off as soon as the facility is expected to be built. Manufacturing and assembling metal anode and flow batteries are of particular interest,.
Competitors can learn more about components related to LDES in the prize’s official rules document and the U.S. Department of Energy’s report on “The Pathway to Long Duration Energy Storage Commercial Liftoff.”
How Can You Help?
Help catalyze domestic manufacturing of critical clean energy components so we can meet our decarbonization goals and maximize associated benefits. Learn more and complete your submission to the MAKE IT Prize’s Facilities Track by 5 p.m. ET on Oct. 18, 2023.
