This state-of-the-art, 93,000-square-foot research facility, known as the Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL)<\/a>, is set to play a pivotal role in developing advanced energy storage technologies that will fortify the nation\u2019s electrical grid and support the growing demand for electrified transportation.<\/p>\n Laboratory Director Steve Ashby explained: \u201cSL will house some of the world\u2019s most accomplished scientists and engineers from PNNL, other national labs, academia, and industry\u2014working together to develop real-world solutions that will benefit our nation and the world.\u201d<\/p>\n The new facility, funded by DOE\u2019s Office of Electricity in collaboration with the Office of Science, consolidates PNNL\u2019s energy storage researchers under one roof.<\/p>\n The GSL is set to become a hub for innovation, fostering collaboration between research institutions, industry partners, and government agencies.<\/p>\n Researchers will focus on developing and validating new battery chemistries<\/a>, materials, and systems, all while testing these advancements under real-world conditions.<\/p>\n Vince Sprenkle, the first director of GSL and a leading energy storage expert, emphasised the facility\u2019s integrated approach: \u201cGSL is truly an integrated facility that incorporates everything from fundamental materials research to testing 100-kilowatt batteries.<\/p>\n \u201cEnergy storage will be a significant part of a resilient and reliable grid that\u2019s fully decarbonised, and GSL will help us get there.\u201d<\/p>\n The launch of GSL comes at a critical time as the US seeks to achieve its clean-energy goals and modernise its energy infrastructure.<\/p>\n Advanced energy storage technologies are essential for stabilising the grid, particularly as renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more prevalent.<\/p>\n GSL\u2019s unique capabilities will enable the rigorous evaluation of new battery materials and systems, accelerating their development and deployment.<\/p>\n The facility is particularly well-suited for exploring alternatives to current critical materials, with researchers set to investigate new battery chemistries utilising Earth-abundant elements such as carbon, sodium, iron, and zinc.<\/p>\n These elements hold promise for long-duration grid energy storage systems, including flow batteries, which are emerging as a key solution for ensuring grid reliability<\/a>.<\/p>\nDriving energy storage innovation through collaboration<\/h3>\n
Pioneering energy storage technologies for a sustainable future<\/h3>\n