Grid Scale Storage

Stanford scientists are designing new ways to improve the performance of batteries, fuel cells and other grid-scale storage technologies (see the research area, "Batteries & Fuel Cells"). Researchers are also assessing the energetic cost of storing wind- and solar-generated electricity on the grid, focusing on the embodied energy required to build and maintain batteries and geologic storage technologies, such as pumped hydroelectric. Energy storage is also a key component of Bits & Watts, a Stanford research initiative focused on innovations for the 21st century electric grid.