Laying the groundwork for long-duration energy storage

Abstract

The electric grid was designed to move large amounts of energy through space, but decarbonization goals will require it to also move energy through time—from days and seasons with a surplus of energy production to days and seasons with insufficient production. Long-duration energy storage technologies that can hold a large amount of electricity and distribute it over periods of many hours to days and even seasons will play a critical role in the clean energy transition. But creating an environment in which these nascent technologies can develop and thrive will require changes in how the grid is planned and built.