In Richland, Washington, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a research facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), has officially opened the Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL), a 93,000-square-foot building designed to accelerate the development of advanced energy storage technologies. The launchpad aims to support innovations in battery chemistries and grid-scale storage systems, a critical component of the transition to clean energy.

The dedication event, which featured speakers such as Senator Maria Cantwell and Geri Richmond, DOE's Under Secretary for Science and Innovation, marks a milestone in enhancing the nation's energy infrastructure. With funding from DOE's Office of Electricity and Office of Science, GSL will serve as a hub for collaboration between industry, academia, and government to develop new technologies that improve energy storage performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

The facility includes 30 laboratories and will house around 100 researchers working to develop new materials and technologies. Vince Sprenkle, GSL's first director, noted that the facility will play a key role in realizing a resilient and decarbonized grid.

Research at GSL will focus on battery systems that use Earth-abundant elements like sodium, iron, and zinc, along with testing under real-world grid conditions. GSL will also offer training and safety education for energy storage systems, further supporting grid modernization efforts.