Blog

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the Energy Storage Pilot Demonstrations funding opportunity, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

What is the Energy Storage Pilot Demonstrations Funding Opportunity?

This program aims to advance non-lithium energy storage technologies to enhance grid resilience, drive innovation, and support decarbonization. These pilot-scale demonstrations are crucial to overcoming challenges in scaling energy storage solutions, ultimately advancing their commercial viability.

What is the Purpose of the Fund?

The program focuses on demonstrating long-duration energy storage technologies, with a minimum discharge duration of 10 hours, targeting non-lithium solutions. The goal is to develop operational data, build investor confidence, and generate techno-economic models that will encourage large-scale deployment. This initiative supports the broader U.S. transition to a clean energy grid by promoting innovative, scalable energy storage systems that are essential for managing variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

• State energy offices
• Indian Tribes
• Tribal organizations
• Institutions of higher education
• Electric utilities (including electric cooperatives, Tribal utilities, municipally owned electric utilities, and investor-owned utilities)
• Private energy storage companies

What are the Requirements to Apply?

Applicants must submit a concept paper by October 16, 2024, and a full application by February 13, 2025. Proposals should focus on non-lithium energy storage technologies with a minimum system capacity of 100 kW for electrochemical storage, 1 MW for mechanical or thermal storage systems, and a discharge duration of at least 10 hours. Projects should demonstrate commercial viability and scalability, addressing grid needs and supply chain challenges. Additionally, a cost share of at least 50% from non-federal sources is required.

What Project Activities are Eligible for Grant Funding?

Eligible activities include pilot-scale demonstrations of:

• Electrochemical storage (excluding lithium-based technologies)
• Mechanical storage (e.g., pressure or gravity-based systems)
• Thermal storage (e.g., sensible, latent, or thermochemical heat storage)

The program encourages proposals that involve operational testing, supply chain maturation, and commercialization strategies.

What are Allowable Costs for the Fund?

Funding can be used for the development, fabrication, and installation of energy storage technologies, operational testing and validation, and system integration. Projects should also include costs for community engagement and labor partnerships, with an emphasis on supporting disadvantaged communities.

What is the Funding Availability for this Program?

The DOE expects to award $100 million in total funding, with individual awards ranging from $5 million to $20 million. The program anticipates making 5-15 awards, each running for a maximum of five years. Applicants must provide a non-federal cost share of at least 50 percent of the total project costs for demonstration projects or a commercial application activity.

What is the Grant Timeline?

• Concept Papers Due: October 16, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. ET
• Full Applications Due: February 13, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. ET

The full Funding Opportunity Announcement is available here.

For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.