King, McSally Lead Push to Increase America's Long-Term Energy Storage Capacity

Statement

Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), both members of the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee, announced the introduction of the Joint Long-Term Storage Act, bipartisan legislation seeking to improve long-duration energy storage technology through strategic collaboration between federal agencies. Specifically, the legislation would establish a joint program between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to maximize the use of federal research funding to help technologies become viable, reduce bureaucratic barriers to interaction, and increase opportunities for researchers in both agencies to build on the progress of their colleagues.

The expanded availability of long-duration energy storage will increase the impact of renewable energy by allowing consumers to store excess energy for use during non-peak production hours. In addition, long-duration energy storage will increase our grid reliability by increasing the reliability of renewable energy, and bolster our national security by reducing the need for our military to transport flammable liquid fuels. The transportation of these fuels through dangerous territory puts servicemembers in danger.

"Storage is the key to fully unlocking the immense potential of renewable energy, giving us options when the clouds are out and the skies are still," said Senator King. "Effective and long-lasting energy storage technology will reduce our carbon footprint, increase the reliability of our electric grid, and improve our national security -- in short, it will make a major difference in the lives of the American people. This legislation will maximize our important investments in this field, so researchers from different departments can work from the best information available to advance their shared goal. Because it doesn't matter who gets the credit -- it matters that we take a step forward that makes our energy grid cleaner and safer."

"In addition to advancing Arizona's clean energy leadership, breakthroughs in long-term energy storage technology can improve the safety and resiliency of our military installations," said Senator McSally. "By leveraging the joint expertise of both the Department of Energy and Defense, this legislation will ensure federal research dollars are used efficiently and effectively."

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