WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to ensure our nation has a more flexible and resilient power system, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Dean Heller (R-NV) are introducing the Storage Technology for Operational Readiness and Generating Energy (STORAGE) Act to empower the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to streamline and coordinate research and development programs relating to energy storage.  The bill could help states like Rhode Island and Nevada increase their renewable energy markets and make them eligible for DOE funding for renewable energy technology.  Universities with innovative energy storage may also benefit from this legislation as DOE takes a more streamlined research approach.

The advent of energy storage capacity means unused energy from renewable sources can be captured, then made available for use when needed, rather than wasted.  As a result, advances in energy storage can help improve the reliability, resiliency, and flexibility of the grid, as well as reduce the potential for future rate increases for consumers. 

To further encourage the research and development of energy storage, the STORAGE Act authorizes the Secretary of Energy to coordinate efforts among various existing programs at the U.S. Department of Energy to maximize efficiency of funds and expand vital research.  The bill also amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to add energy storage systems to the list of strategies states should consider when developing its energy plan in an effort to promote energy conservation and greater use of domestic energy.  The bill does not mandate the implementation of this or any technology.  Rather it simply encourages states to analyze whether energy storage would provide benefits to the overall system. 

“Energy storage is a critical part of achieving energy efficiency and this legislation can help drive our national energy policy forward by advancing energy storage research.  Better coordination will allow the U.S. Energy Department to maximize the amount of funding that goes towards energy storage research and development, which in turn will make it easier to collaborate on developing technology to modernize and improve the electrical grid,” said Senator Reed.

“Energy storage has an important role in both Nevada and the entire nation’s long-term energy strategy.  In a state like Nevada with immense renewable energy potential, advances in this technology will improve the reliability, affordability, and flexibility of the electrical grid.  I am proud to team up with Senator Reed on the bipartisan STORAGE Act, which will promote the research and development of this state-of-the-art technology,” said Senator Dean Heller. 

The Department of Energy currently has several programs focusing on energy storage research and development, but these programs are not as well-coordinated across the agency as they could be.  Streamlined coordination will maximize the amount of funding that goes towards research and development while minimizing administrative overhead.  This act does not request additional funding, instead it directs funding be used in the most efficient manner for the research and development of energy storage technology at the Department of Energy.