Energy storage for grid security and modernization

Canada's electricity grid is among the best in the world. However, it will require significant maintenance and upgrades over the next 20 years, which could raise energy costs to the consumer. NRC's Energy Storage for Grid Security and Modernization initiative explores energy storage technologies that are close to the load, working toward a solution that will defer the costs of transmission and distribution renewal, while stabilizing the generation of intermittent renewable energy, and enabling peak shaving and arbitrage.

Collaboration opportunity

NRC is currently seeking collaborators to join our Energy Storage for Grid Security and Modernization initiative. Working together, we will address issues of poor durability, high cost and high risk to end‑users, all of which are currently hampering the development and deployment of energy storage technologies in the marketplace.

Goals of the initiative include bringing about:

• A cost reduction for energy storage technologies of at least 50%
  • from the current $1000/kWh to under $500/kWh (energy rating)
  • from the current $2500/kW to less than $1250/kW (power rating)
• A doubling of the operating lifetime
  • from today's five to seven years to >15 years

NRC will continue to work with stakeholders on a one‑on‑one basis to improve technologies. At the same time, we will accelerate technology deployment by implementing a multi-party collaboration model.

Engaging stakeholders at all levels:

1. Utilities: Utility companies, independent power producers (IPPs) and storage end‑users are invited to serve on the research steering committee. They will be involved in defining research priorities and in determining the level of effort devoted to each research task.
2. Suppliers: Developers of storage materials, components, controls and integrated systems are invited to participate in biannual research planning and review meetings, working with NRC researchers to develop and implement technology solutions for energy storage.

Collaborator benefits

NRC's Energy Storage for Grid Security and Modernization initiative brings together key industry players who can advance the development and acceptance of energy storage technologies by:

• Offering strategic analysis and decision‑making support to de‑risk technology development and adoption;
• Engaging in collaborative technology demonstration to provide insight into real‑world energy storage performance and reduce the frequency and severity of system and integration related issues; and
• Conducting targeted R&D that will lead to the necessary technical improvements to reduce costs and improve the durability of energy storage systems.

Collaborators will benefit from shared knowledge and expertise, as well as from firsthand exposure to cutting‑edge developments in energy storage solutions.

Other services and facilities

NRC also offers a range of energy storage research services and facilities on an individual, fee‑for‑service (FFS) basis.