U.S. Department of Energy Awards $300 Million for 10-Hour Long-Duration Energy Storage

WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) announced $300 million in grant awards for eight utility-scale Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) demonstration projects in California, New York, Texas, and Minnesota.

Solving the Multi-Hour Renewable Energy Storage Challenge

The funding packages provide matching capital to construct commercial iron-flow, zinc-air, and compressed-air energy storage facilities capable of discharging clean power for 10 to 24 continuous hours, overcoming the 4-hour limitation of conventional lithium-ion batteries. The facilities utilize non-toxic, domestically abundant materials like iron and saltwater, eliminating thermal runaway fire risks and providing multi-day energy resilience during winter storms and prolonged overcast weather.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized that long-duration energy storage is the linchpin of a dependable 100% clean power grid, keeping renewable power available around the clock.

Utility Operators and Battery Innovators Endorse

Regional grid operators including CAISO and NYISO praised the long-duration demonstration facilities for replacing gas peaker plants in dense urban load zones.

American Clean Power Association highlighted that iron-flow batteries have 30-year operational lifespans without capacity degradation.

Groundbreaking Milestones

Civil foundation engineering and electrolyte tank construction will break ground across all eight project sites in spring 2027.