Introduction:

Program 94, focused on Energy Storage and Distributed Generation, is dedicated to driving advancements in the integration of safe, reliable, and affordable energy storage technologies, distributed generation systems, and microgrids. With a primary goal of supporting the transition to renewable energy sources and promoting the decarbonization of the power system, energy storage plays a critical role in enhancing flexibility and resilience for grid operators and end-users. Additionally, distributed generation and microgrids offer unique opportunities to bolster reliability and resilience, particularly during crises and extreme weather events. Through a combination of research activities and industry collaboration, Program 94 aims to facilitate the effective utilization of energy storage, distributed generation, and microgrids to realize a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape.

Research Objectives and Value:

The research endeavors within Program 94 are aligned with EPRI's Energy Storage Roadmap, providing members with access to a diverse portfolio of projects spanning technology evaluation, economic modeling, testing, safety practices, and community engagement. By leveraging energy storage, distributed generation, and microgrids, the program strives to enhance grid and customer reliability, increase renewable energy deployment, and improve energy affordability. Outputs from this research initiative are anticipated to yield several key outcomes, including enhanced intelligence on evolving technologies, collaborative approaches for industry stakeholders, informed planning tools for technology selection, as well as leading practices for project lifecycle management and risk mitigation. By engaging with regulators, utilities, industry participants, and the public, Program 94 aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the environmental and safety implications of energy storage and distributed generation technologies.

Research Approach:

The program adopts a multifaceted research approach, combining industry engagement, primary research, testing, and the creation of advanced tools to support informed decision-making and deployment of energy storage and distributed generation solutions. By investigating current trends and drivers influencing the value and applications of these technologies, Program 94 aims to develop common practices, tools, and guidelines for industry stakeholders. Through primary research and testing, the program endeavors to assess the performance, safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact of energy storage, microgrid, and distributed generation systems, providing valuable insights for technology readiness and deployment. Moreover, the creation and utilization of advanced tools, including software modeling and life cycle assessment techniques, enable accurate evaluation and benchmarking of energy storage technologies for both technical and economic impacts.

Field Demonstration and Deployment:

A significant aspect of Program 94 involves field demonstrations and deployment activities, aimed at understanding current practices, challenges, and opportunities related to energy storage and distributed generation integration. By convening stakeholders, the program seeks to address obstacles and foster collaboration in deploying these technologies. Through the development of industry databases, real-world performance assessments, and novel analytical approaches, Program 94 contributes to the advancement of safe and environmentally responsible deployment practices. Additionally, the program focuses on providing guidance for community engagement and sharing leading practices to ensure the successful implementation and operation of energy storage, microgrid, and distributed generation projects.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

Recognizing the complex and interconnected nature of energy systems, Program 94 collaborates with other research programs and institutions to address the diverse challenges and opportunities associated with emerging energy resources. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the program enhances its ability to tackle the broad set of issues surrounding the integration of energy storage and distributed generation technologies. Through shared knowledge, resources, and expertise, Program 94 aims to drive innovation, inform policy decisions, and support the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Program 94: Energy Storage and Distributed Generation, spearheads research efforts to promote the effective integration and utilization of energy storage technologies, distributed generation systems, and microgrid solutions. By focusing on enhancing grid resilience, supporting renewable energy deployment, and improving energy affordability, the program plays a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable energy landscape. Through a combination of industry engagement, primary research, testing, and deployment activities, Program 94 strives to provide valuable insights, tools, and practices for industry stakeholders and policymakers. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and informed decision-making, the program seeks to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with the rapid evolution of energy systems, ultimately contributing to a more efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy future.

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Reference website:https://www.epri.com