Long-Duration Energy Storage: A Panel Discussion

There is broad agreement that the energy system will need longer-duration energy storage technologies to integrate increasing levels of solar and wind generation and achieve deep levels of decarbonization. While gigawatts of lithium-ion battery capacity are being added to the US power grid each year, few of these installations have a duration longer than four hours. 

Long-duration energy storage (LDES), often defined as eight hours of storage or longer, is beginning to emerge as the next big leap in the evolution of the electric grid. As excitement around the sector ramps up, LDES companies are surpassing billion-dollar investment milestones, and states and utilities are establishing the first procurement targets for longer-duration storage resources. But why exactly do we need LDES? When will we need it? And, what needs to be done to support LDES technology and market development? 

In this panel discussion, experts representing state, utility, and academic viewpoints addressed these questions from their perspective. Panelists answered questions from attendees following the discussion. 

Panelists:  

• Chico Hunter, Manager, Innovation and Development, Salt River Project 
• Wilson Ricks, Doctoral Researcher, Zero-carbon Energy systems Research and Optimization (ZERO) Lab, Princeton University 
• Tom Ferguson, Energy Storage Programs Manager, Renewable and Alternative Energy Division, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources 
• Weston Dengler, Senior Analyst, Research & Industry Strategy, Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) 
• Geovanni Castano, Energy Technology Advisor, Dominion Energy 
• Seth Mullendore, President and Executive Director, Clean Energy Group (moderator)