SUBCHAPTER V—ACCELERATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Part A—Solar Energy
§17171. Thermal energy storage research and development program
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a program of research and development to provide lower cost and more viable thermal energy storage technologies to enable the shifting of electric power loads on demand and extend the operating time of concentrating solar power electric generating plants.
(b) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, $9,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, and $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
Short Title
This part known as the "Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007", see Short Title note set out under
§17172. Solar energy curriculum development and certification grants
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish in the Office of Solar Energy Technologies a competitive grant program to create and strengthen solar industry workforce training and internship programs in installation, operation, and maintenance of solar energy products. The goal of this program is to ensure a supply of well-trained individuals to support the expansion of the solar energy industry.
(b) Authorized activities
Grant funds may be used to support the following activities:
(1) Creation and development of a solar energy curriculum appropriate for the local educational, entrepreneurial, and environmental conditions, including curriculum for community colleges.
(2) Support of certification programs for individual solar energy system installers, instructors, and training programs.
(3) Internship programs that provide hands-on participation by students in commercial applications.
(4) Activities required to obtain certification of training programs and facilities by an industry-accepted quality-control certification program.
(5) Incorporation of solar-specific learning modules into traditional occupational training and internship programs for construction-related trades.
(6) The purchase of equipment necessary to carry out activities under this section.
(7) Support of programs that provide guidance and updates to solar energy curriculum instructors.
(c) Administration of grants
Grants may be awarded under this section for up to 3 years. The Secretary shall award grants to ensure sufficient geographic distribution of training programs nationally. Grants shall only be awarded for programs certified by an industry-accepted quality-control certification institution, or for new and growing programs with a credible path to certification. Due consideration shall be given to women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities.
(d) Report
The Secretary shall make public, on the website of the Department or upon request, information on the name and institution for all grants awarded under this section, including a brief description of the project as well as the grant award amount.
(e) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17173. Daylighting systems and direct solar light pipe technology
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a program of research and development to provide assistance in the demonstration and commercial application of direct solar renewable energy sources to provide alternatives to traditional power generation for lighting and illumination, including light pipe technology, and to promote greater energy conservation and improved efficiency. All direct solar renewable energy devices supported under this program shall have the capability to provide measurable data on the amount of kilowatt-hours saved over the traditionally powered light sources they have replaced.
(b) Reporting
The Secretary shall transmit to Congress an annual report assessing the measurable data derived from each project in the direct solar renewable energy sources program and the energy savings resulting from its use.
(c) Definitions
For purposes of this section—
(1) the term "direct solar renewable energy" means energy from a device that converts sunlight into useable light within a building, tunnel, or other enclosed structure, replacing artificial light generated by a light fixture and doing so without the conversion of the sunlight into another form of energy; and
(2) the term "light pipe" means a device designed to transport visible solar radiation from its collection point to the interior of a building while excluding interior heat gain in the nonheating season.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section $3,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§§17174, 17175. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title III, §3006(g)(1), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2513
Section 17174,
Section 17175,
Part B—Geothermal Energy
§17191. Definitions
For purposes of this part:
(1) Engineered
When referring to enhanced geothermal systems, the term "engineered" means designed to access subsurface heat, including stimulation and nonstimulation technologies to address one or more of the following issues:
(A) Lack of effective permeability, porosity or open fracture connectivity within the heat reservoir.
(B) Insufficient contained geofluid in the heat reservoir.
(C) A low average geothermal gradient which necessitates deeper drilling, or the use of alternative heat sources or heat generation processes.
(2) Eligible entity
The term "eligible entity" means any of the following entities:
(A) An institution of higher education.
(B) A National laboratory.
(C) A Federal research agency.
(D) A State research agency.
(E) A nonprofit research organization.
(F) An industrial entity.
(G) A consortium of 2 or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (F).
(3) Enhanced geothermal systems
The term "enhanced geothermal systems" means geothermal reservoir systems that are engineered, as opposed to occurring naturally.
(4) Geofluid
The term "geofluid" means any fluid used to extract thermal energy from the Earth which is transported to the surface for direct use or electric power generation, except that such term shall not include oil or natural gas.
(5) Geopressured resources
The term "geopressured resources" mean geothermal deposits found in sedimentary rocks under higher than normal pressure and saturated with gas or methane.
(6) Geothermal
The term "geothermal" refers to heat energy stored in the Earth's crust that can be accessed for direct use or electric power generation.
(7) Hydrothermal
The term "hydrothermal" refers to naturally occurring subsurface reservoirs of hot water or steam.
(8) Systems approach
The term "systems approach" means an approach to solving problems or designing systems that attempts to optimize the performance of the overall system, rather than a particular component of the system.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2020—Par. (1).
Pars. (2) to (8).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
Short Title
This part known as the "Advanced Geothermal Energy Research and Development Act of 2007", see Short Title note set out under
§17192. Hydrothermal research and development
(a) In general
The Secretary shall carry out a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for geothermal energy production from hydrothermal systems.
(b) Programs
The program authorized in subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) Advanced hydrothermal resource tools
The research and development of advanced geologic tools to assist in locating hydrothermal resources, and to increase the reliability of site characterization, including the development of new imaging and sensing technologies and techniques to assist in prioritization of targets for characterization;
(2) Exploratory drilling for geothermal resources
The demonstration of advanced technologies and techniques of siting and exploratory drilling for undiscovered resources in a variety of geologic settings, carried out in collaboration with industry partners that will assist in the acquisition of high quality data sets relevant for hydrothermal subsurface characterization activities.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2020—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17193. General geothermal systems research and development
(a) Subsurface components and systems
The Secretary shall support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of components and systems capable of withstanding geothermal environments and necessary to develop, produce, and monitor geothermal reservoirs and produce geothermal energy.
(b) Environmental impacts
The Secretary shall—
(1) support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of technologies and practices designed to mitigate or preclude potential adverse environmental impacts of geothermal energy development, production or use;
(2) support a research program to identify potential environmental impacts, including induced seismicity, and environmental benefits of geothermal energy development, production, and use, and ensure that the program described in paragraph (1) addresses such impacts, including water use and effects on groundwater and local hydrology;
(3) support a program of research to compare the potential environmental impacts and environmental benefits identified as part of the development, production, and use of geothermal energy with the potential emission reductions of greenhouse gases gained by geothermal energy development, production, and use; and
(4) in carrying out this section, the Secretary shall,1 to the maximum extent practicable, consult with relevant federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency.
(c) Reservoir thermal energy storage
The Secretary shall support a program of research, development, and demonstration of reservoir thermal energy storage, emphasizing cost-effective improvements through deep direct use engineering, design, and systems research.
(d) Oil and gas technology transfer initiative
(1) In general
The Secretary shall support an initiative among the Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and the private sector to research, develop, and demonstrate relevant advanced technologies and operation techniques used in the oil and gas sector for use in geothermal energy development.
(2) Priorities
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall prioritize technologies with the greatest potential to significantly increase the use and lower the cost of geothermal energy in the United States, including the cost and speed of geothermal drilling surface technologies, large- and small-scale drilling, and well construction.
(e) Coproduction of geothermal energy and minerals production research and development initiative
(1) In general
The Secretary shall carry out a research and development initiative under which the Secretary shall provide financial assistance to demonstrate the coproduction of critical minerals from geothermal resources.
(2) Requirements
An award made under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) improve the cost effectiveness of removing minerals from geothermal brines as part of the coproduction process;
(B) increase recovery rates of the targeted mineral commodity;
(C) decrease water use and other environmental impacts, as determined by the Secretary; and
(D) demonstrate a path to commercial viability.
(f) Flexible operations
The Secretary shall support a research initiative on flexible operation of geothermal power plants.
(g) Integrated energy systems
The Secretary shall identify opportunities for joint research, development, and demonstration programs between geothermal systems and other energy generation or storage systems.
(h) Drilling data repository
(1) In general
The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, establish and operate a voluntary, industry-wide repository of geothermal drilling information to lower the cost of future geothermal drilling.
(2) Repository
(A) In general
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall collaborate with countries utilizing a significant amount of geothermal energy, as determined by the Secretary.
(B) Data system
The repository established under paragraph (1) shall be integrated with the National Geothermal Data System.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2020—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
1 So in original. The words "The Secretary shall" appear in introductory provisions.
§17194. Enhanced geothermal systems research and development
(a) In general
The Secretary shall support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for enhanced geothermal systems, including the programs described in subsection (b).
(b) Enhanced geothermal systems technologies
In collaboration with industry partners, institutions of higher education, and the national laboratories, the Secretary shall support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of the technologies to achieve higher efficiency and lower cost enhanced geothermal systems, including—
(1) reservoir stimulation;
(2) drilled, non-stimulated (e.g. closed-loop) reservoir technologies;
(3) reservoir characterization, monitoring, and modeling and understanding of the surface area and volume of fractures;
(4) stress and fracture mapping including real time monitoring and modeling;
(5) tracer development;
(6) three and four-dimensional seismic imaging and tomography;
(7) well placement and orientation;
(8) long-term reservoir management;
(9) drilling technologies, methods, and tools;
(10) improved exploration tools;
(11) zonal isolation; and
(12) understanding induced seismicity risks from reservoir engineering and stimulation.
(c) Frontier observatory for research in geothermal energy
(1) In general
The Secretary shall support the establishment and construction of up to 3 field research sites, which shall each be known as a "Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy" or "FORGE" site to develop, test, and enhance techniques and tools for enhanced geothermal energy.
(2) Duties
The Secretary shall—
(A) provide financial assistance in support of research and development projects focused on advanced monitoring technologies, new technologies and approaches for implementing multi-zone stimulations, nonstimulation techniques, and dynamic reservoir modeling that incorporates all available high-fidelity characterization data; and
(B) seek opportunities to coordinate efforts and share information with domestic and international partners engaged in research and development of geothermal systems and related technology, including coordination between FORGE sites.
(3) Site selection
Of the FORGE sites referred to in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
(A) consider applications through a competitive, merit-reviewed process, from National Laboratories, multi-institutional collaborations, institutes of higher education and other appropriate entities best suited to provide national leadership on geothermal related issues and perform the duties enumerated under this subsection;
(B) prioritize existing field sites and facilities with capabilities relevant to the duties enumerated under this subsection;
(C) determine the mission need for and potential location of subsequent FORGE sites following the completion of construction and one year of operation of two FORGE sites; and
(D) ensure geologic diversity among FORGE sites when developing subsequent sites, to the maximum extent practicable.
(4) Existing forge sites
A FORGE site already in existence on December 27, 2020, may continue to receive support.
(5) Site operation
(A) Initial duration
FORGE sites selected under paragraph (3) shall operate for an initial term of not more than 7 years after the date on which site operation begins.
(B) Performance metrics
The Secretary shall establish performance metrics for each FORGE site supported under this paragraph, which may be used by the Secretary to determine whether a FORGE site should continue to receive funding.
(6) Additional terms
(A) In general
At the end of an operational term described in subparagraph (B), a FORGE site may—
(i) be transferred to other public or private entities for further enhanced geothermal testing; or
(ii) subject to appropriations and a merit review by the Secretary, operate for an additional term of not more than 7 years.
(B) Operational term described
An operational term referred to in subparagraph (A)—
(i) in the case of an existing FORGE site, is the existing operational term; and
(ii) in the case of new FORGE sites selected under paragraph (3), is the initial term under paragraph (5)(A) or an additional term under subparagraph (A)(ii) of this paragraph.
(7) Funding
(A) In general
Out of funds authorized to be appropriated under
(i) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
(ii) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
(iii) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(iv) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
(v) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
(B) Considerations
In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall consider the balance between funds dedicated to construction and operations and research activities to reflect the state of site development.
(d) Enhanced geothermal systems demonstrations
(1) In general
Beginning on December 27, 2020, the Secretary, in collaboration with industry partners, institutions of higher education, and the national laboratories, shall support an initiative for demonstration of enhanced geothermal systems for power production or direct use.
(2) Projects
(A) In general
Under the initiative described in paragraph (1), 4 demonstration projects shall be carried out in locations that are potentially commercially viable for enhanced geothermal systems development, while also considering environmental impacts to the maximum extent practicable, as determined by the Secretary.
(B) Requirements
Demonstration projects under subparagraph (A) shall—
(i) collectively demonstrate—
(I) different geologic settings, such as hot sedimentary aquifers, layered geologic systems, supercritical systems, and basement rock systems; and
(II) a variety of development techniques, including open hole and cased hole completions, differing well orientations, and stimulation and nonstimulation mechanisms; and
(ii) to the extent practicable, use existing sites where subsurface characterization or geothermal energy integration analysis has been conducted.
(C) Eastern demonstration
Not fewer than 1 of the demonstration projects carried out under subparagraph (A) shall be located an area east of the Mississippi River that is suitable for enhanced geothermal demonstration for power, heat, or a combination of power and heat.
(D) Milestone-based demonstration projects
The Secretary may carry out demonstration projects under this subsection as a milestone-based demonstration project under
(3) Funding
Out of funds authorized to be appropriated under
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
December 27, 2020, referred to in subsecs. (c)(4) and (d)(1), was in the original "the date of enactment of this Act" and "he date of enactment of this section", respectively, and were translated as meaning the date of enactment of
Amendments
2020—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17195. Geothermal energy production from oil and gas fields and recovery and production of geopressured gas resources
(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application to support development of geothermal energy production from oil and gas fields and production and recovery of energy, including electricity, from geopressured resources. In addition, the Secretary shall conduct such supporting activities including research, resource characterization, and technology development as necessary.
(b) Geothermal energy production from oil and gas fields
The Secretary shall implement a grant program in support of geothermal energy production from oil and gas fields. The program shall include grants for a total of not less than three demonstration projects of the use of geothermal techniques such as advanced organic rankine cycle systems at marginal, unproductive, and productive oil and gas wells. The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable and in the public interest, make awards that—
(1) include not less than five oil or gas well sites per project award;
(2) use a range of oil or gas well hot water source temperatures from 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 300 degrees Fahrenheit;
(3) cover a range of sizes up to one megawatt;
(4) are located at a range of sites;
(5) can be replicated at a wide range of sites;
(6) facilitate identification of optimum techniques among competing alternatives;
(7) include business commercialization plans that have the potential for production of equipment at high volumes and operation and support at a large number of sites; and
(8) satisfy other criteria that the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the program and collect necessary data and information.
The Secretary shall give preference to assessments that address multiple elements contained in paragraphs (1) through (8).
(c) Grant awards
Each grant award for demonstration of geothermal technology such as advanced organic rankine cycle systems at oil and gas wells made by the Secretary under subsection (b) shall include—
(1) necessary and appropriate site engineering study;
(2) detailed economic assessment of site specific conditions;
(3) appropriate feasibility studies to determine whether the demonstration can be replicated;
(4) design or adaptation of existing technology for site specific circumstances or conditions;
(5) installation of equipment, service, and support;
(6) operation for a minimum of 1 year and monitoring for the duration of the demonstration; and
(7) validation of technical and economic assumptions and documentation of lessons learned.
(d) Geopressured gas resource recovery and production
(1) The Secretary shall implement a program to support the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of cost-effective techniques to produce energy from geopressured resources.
(2) The Secretary shall solicit preliminary engineering designs for geopressured resources production and recovery facilities.
(3) Based upon a review of the preliminary designs, the Secretary shall award grants, which may be cost-shared, to support the detailed development and completion of engineering, architectural and technical plans needed to support construction of new designs.
(4) Based upon a review of the final design plans above, the Secretary shall award cost-shared development and construction grants for demonstration geopressured production facilities that show potential for economic recovery of the heat, kinetic energy and gas resources from geopressured resources.
(e) Competitive grant selection
Not less than 90 days after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall conduct a national solicitation for applications for grants under the programs outlined in subsections (b) and (d). Grant recipients shall be selected on a competitive basis based on criteria in the respective subsection.
(f) Well drilling
No funds may be used under this section for the purpose of drilling new wells.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17195a. Geothermal heat pumps and direct use research and development
(a) Purposes
The purposes of this section are—
(1) to improve the understanding of related earth sciences, components, processes, and systems used for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy; and
(2) to increase the energy efficiency, lower the cost, increase the use, and improve and demonstrate the effectiveness of geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy.
(b) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Direct use of geothermal energy
The term "direct use of geothermal energy" means geothermal systems that use water directly or through a heat exchanger to provide—
(A) heating and cooling to buildings, commercial districts, residential communities, and large municipal, or industrial projects; or
(B) heat required for industrial processes, agriculture, aquaculture, and other facilities.
(2) Economically distressed area
The term "economically distressed area" means an area described in
(3) Geothermal heat pump
The term "geothermal heat pump" means a system that provides heating and cooling by exchanging heat from shallow geology, groundwater, or surface water using—
(A) a closed loop system, which transfers heat by way of buried or immersed pipes that contain a mix of water and working fluid; or
(B) an open loop system, which circulates ground or surface water directly into the building and returns the water to the same aquifer or surface water source.
(c) Program
(1) In general
The Secretary shall support within the Geothermal Technologies Office a program of research, development, and demonstration for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy.
(2) Areas
The program under paragraph (1) may include research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of—
(A) geothermal ground loop efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and improved installation and operations methods;
(B) the use of geothermal energy for building-scale energy storage;
(C) the use of geothermal energy as a grid management resource or seasonal energy storage;
(D) geothermal heat pump efficiency improvements;
(E) the use of alternative fluids as a heat exchange medium, such as hot water found in mines and mine shafts, graywater, or other fluids that may improve the economics of geothermal heat pumps;
(F) heating of districts, neighborhoods, communities, large commercial or public buildings, and industrial and manufacturing facilities;
(G) the use of low temperature groundwater for direct use; and
(H) system integration of direct use with geothermal electricity production.
(3) Environmental impacts
In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts in accordance with
(d) Financial assistance
(1) In general
The Secretary shall carry out the program established in subsection (c) by making financial assistance available to State, local, and Tribal governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofit entities, National Laboratories, utilities, and for-profit companies.
(2) Priority
In providing financial assistance under this subsection, the Secretary may give priority to proposals that apply to large buildings, commercial districts, and residential communities that are located in economically distressed areas and areas that the Secretary determines to have high economic potential for geothermal district heating based on the report, "Geovision: Harnessing the Heat Beneath our Feet" published by the Department in 2019, or a successor report.
(
§17196. Organization and administration of programs
(a) Federal share
The Federal share of costs of projects funded under this part shall be in accordance with
(b) Organization and administration of programs
Programs under this part shall incorporate the following elements:
(1) The Secretary shall coordinate with, and where appropriate may provide funds in furtherance of the purposes of this part to, other Department of Energy research and development programs focused on drilling, subsurface characterization, and other related technologies.
(2) The Secretary shall coordinate and consult with the appropriate Federal land management agencies in selecting proposals for funding under this part.
(3) Nothing in this part shall be construed to alter or affect any law relating to the management or protection of Federal lands.
(c) Education and outreach
In carrying out the activities described in this part, the Secretary shall support education and outreach activities to disseminate information on geothermal energy technologies and the geothermal energy workforce, including activities at the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy site or sites.
(d) Technical assistance
In carrying out this part, the Secretary shall also conduct technical assistance and analysis activities with eligible entities for the purpose of supporting the commercial application of advances in geothermal energy systems development and operations, which may include activities that support expanding access to advanced geothermal energy technologies for rural, Tribal, and low-income communities.
(e) Report
Every 5 years after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall report to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate on advanced concepts and technologies to maximize the geothermal resource potential of the United States.
(f) Progress reports
Not later than 1 year after December 27, 2020, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the results of projects undertaken under this part and other such information the Secretary considers appropriate.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This part, referred to in subsec. (f), probably should be a reference to "this subtitle", meaning subtitle B of title VI of
Amendments
2020—
Subsec. (b)(2) to (4).
Subsecs. (c) to (f).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17197. Advanced geothermal computing and data science research and development
(a) In general
The Secretary shall carry out a program of research and development of advanced computing and data science tools for geothermal energy.
(b) Programs
The program authorized in subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) Advanced computing for geothermal systems technologies
Research, development, and demonstration of technologies to develop advanced data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related computing tools to assist in locating geothermal resources, to increase the reliability of site characterization, to increase the rate and efficiency of drilling, to improve induced seismicity mitigation, and to support enhanced geothermal systems technologies.
(2) Geothermal systems reservoir modeling
Research, development, and demonstration of models of geothermal reservoir performance and enhanced geothermal systems reservoir stimulation technologies and techniques, with an emphasis on accurately modeling fluid and heat flow, permeability evolution, geomechanics, geochemistry, seismicity, and operational performance over time, including collaboration with industry and field validation.
(c) Coordination
In carrying out these programs, the Secretary shall ensure coordination and consultation with the Department of Energy's Office of Science. The Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, coordination of these activities with the Department of Energy National Laboratories, institutes of higher education, and the private sector.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2020—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17198. Geothermal workforce development
The Secretary shall support the development of a geothermal energy workforce through a program that—
(1) facilitates collaboration between university students and researchers at the National Laboratories; and
(2) prioritizes science in areas relevant to the mission of the Department through the application of geothermal energy tools and technologies.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2020—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§§17199, 17200. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title III, §3002(i)(1), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2495
Section 17199,
Section 17200,
§17201. Applicability of other laws
Nothing in this part shall be construed as waiving, modifying, or superseding the applicability of any requirement under any environmental or other Federal or State law. To the extent that activities authorized in this part take place in coastal and ocean areas, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, regarding the potential marine environmental impacts and measures to address such impacts.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17202. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the programs under this part $170,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2020—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17203. International geothermal energy development
(a) In general
The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with other appropriate Federal and multilateral agencies (including the United States Agency for International Development) shall support collaborative efforts with international partners to promote the research, development, and demonstration of geothermal technologies used to develop hydrothermal and enhanced geothermal system resources.
(b) United States Trade and Development Agency
The Director of the United States Trade and Development Agency may—
(1) encourage participation by United States firms in actions taken to carry out subsection (a); and
(2) provide grants and other financial support for feasibility and resource assessment studies conducted in, or intended to benefit, less developed countries.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2020—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17204. High cost region geothermal energy grant program
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible entity
The term "eligible entity" means—
(A) a utility;
(B) an electric cooperative;
(C) a State;
(D) a political subdivision of a State;
(E) an Indian tribe; or
(F) a Native corporation.
(2) High-cost region
The term "high-cost region" means a region in which the average cost of electrical power or heat exceeds 150 percent of the national average retail cost, as determined by the Secretary.
(b) Program
The Secretary shall use amounts made available to carry out this section to make grants to eligible entities for activities described in subsection (c).
(c) Eligible activities
An eligible entity may use grant funds under this section, with respect to a geothermal energy project in a high-cost region, only—
(1) to conduct a feasibility study, including a study of exploration, geochemical testing, geomagnetic surveys, geologic information gathering, baseline environmental studies, well drilling, resource characterization, permitting, and economic analysis;
(2) for design and engineering costs, relating to the project; and
(3) to demonstrate and promote commercial application of technologies related to geothermal energy as part of the project.
(d) Cost sharing
The cost-sharing requirements of
(e) Authorization of appropriations
Out of funds authorized under
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2020—Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (e).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
Part C—Water Power Research and Development
Editorial Notes
Codification
Subtitle C of title VI of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, known as the Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Research and Development Act, comprising this part, was originally enacted by
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Application
Provisions of
§17211. Definitions
In this part:
(1) Eligible entity
The term "eligible entity" means any of the following entities:
(A) An institution of higher education.
(B) A National Laboratory.
(C) A Federal research agency.
(D) A State research agency.
(E) A nonprofit research organization.
(F) An industrial entity or a multi-institutional consortium thereof.
(2) Institution of higher education
The term "institution of higher education" means—
(A) an institution of higher education (as defined in
(B) a postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in
(3) Marine energy
The term "marine energy" means energy from—
(A) waves, tides, and currents in oceans, estuaries, and tidal areas;
(B) free flowing water in rivers, lakes, streams, and man-made channels;
(C) differentials in salinity and pressure gradients; and
(D) differentials in water temperature, including ocean thermal energy conversion.
(4) National laboratory
The term "National Laboratory" has the meaning given such term in
(5) Water power
The term "water power" refers to hydropower, including conduit power, pumped storage, and marine energy technologies.
(6) Microgrid
The term "microgrid" has the meaning given such term in
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 17211,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
This part was formerly known as the "Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Research and Development Act", see Short Title note formerly set out under
§17212. Water power technology research, development, and demonstration
The Secretary shall carry out a program to conduct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of water power technologies in support of each of the following purposes:
(1) To promote research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of water power generation technologies in order to increase capacity and reduce the cost of those technologies.
(2) To promote research and development to improve the environmental impact of water power technologies.
(3) To provide grid reliability and resilience, including through technologies that facilitate new market opportunities, such as ancillary services, for water power.
(4) To promote the development of water power technologies to improve economic growth and enhance cross-institutional foundational workforce development in the water power sector, including in coastal communities.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 17212,
§17213. Hydropower research, development, and demonstration
The Secretary shall conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for technologies that improve the capacity, efficiency, resilience, security, reliability, affordability, and environmental impact, including potential cumulative environmental impacts, of hydropower systems. In carrying out such program, the Secretary shall prioritize activities designed to—
(1) develop technology for—
(A) non-powered dams, including aging and potentially hazardous dams;
(B) pumped storage;
(C) constructed waterways;
(D) new stream-reach development;
(E) modular and small dams;
(F) increased operational flexibility; and
(G) enhancement of relevant existing facilities;
(2) develop new strategies and technologies, including analytical methods, physical and numerical tools, and advanced computing, as well as methods to validate such methods and tools, in order to—
(A) extend the operational lifetime of hydropower systems and their physical structures, while improving environmental impact, including potential cumulative environmental impacts;
(B) assist in device and system design, installation, operation, and maintenance; and
(C) reduce costs, limit outages, and increase unit and plant efficiencies, including by examining the impact of changing water and electricity demand on hydropower generation, flexibility, and provision of grid services;
(3) study, in conjunction with other relevant Federal agencies as appropriate, methods to improve the hydropower licensing process, including by compiling current and accepted best practices, public comments, and methodologies to assess the full range of potential environmental and economic impacts;
(4) identify opportunities for joint research, development, and demonstration programs between hydropower systems, which may include—
(A) pumped storage systems and other renewable energy systems;
(B) small hydro facilities and other energy storage systems;
(C) other hybrid energy systems;
(D) small hydro facilities and critical infrastructure, including water infrastructure; and
(E) hydro facilities and responsive load technologies, which may include smart buildings and city systems;
(5) improve the reliability of hydropower technologies, including during extreme weather events;
(6) develop methods and technologies to improve environmental impact, including potential cumulative environmental impacts, of hydropower and pumped storage technologies, including potential impacts on wildlife, such as—
(A) fisheries;
(B) aquatic life and resources;
(C) navigation of waterways; and
(D) upstream and downstream environmental conditions, including sediment movement, water quality, and flow volumes;
(7) identify ways to increase power generation by—
(A) diversifying plant configuration options;
(B) improving pump-back efficiencies;
(C) investigating multi-phase systems;
(D) developing, testing, and monitoring advanced generators with faster cycling times, variable speeds, and improved efficiencies;
(E) developing, testing, and monitoring advanced turbines capable of improving environmental impact, including potential cumulative environmental impacts, including small turbine designs;
(F) developing standardized powertrain components;
(G) developing components with advanced materials and manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing; and
(H) developing analytical tools that enable hydropower to provide grid services that, amongst other services, improve grid integration of other energy sources;
(8) advance new pumped storage technologies, including—
(A) systems with adjustable speed and other new pumping and generating equipment designs;
(B) modular systems;
(C) alternative closed-loop systems, including mines and quarries; and
(D) other innovative equipment and materials as determined by the Secretary;
(9) reduce civil works costs and construction times for hydropower and pumped storage systems, including comprehensive data and systems analysis of hydropower and pumped storage construction technologies and processes in order to identify areas for whole-system efficiency gains;
(10) advance efficient and reliable integration of hydropower and pumped storage systems with the electric grid by—
(A) improving methods for operational forecasting of renewable energy systems to identify opportunities for hydropower applications in pumped storage and hybrid energy systems, including forecasting of seasonal and annual energy storage;
(B) considering aggregating small distributed hydropower assets; and
(C) identifying barriers to grid scale implementation of hydropower and pumped storage technologies;
(11) improve computational fluid dynamic modeling methods;
(12) improve flow measurement methods, including maintenance of continuous flow measurement equipment;
(13) identify best methods for compiling data on all hydropower resources and assets, including identifying potential for increased capacity; and
(14) identify mechanisms to test and validate performance of hydropower and pumped storage technologies.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 17213,
§17214. Marine energy research, development, and demonstration
(a) In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Commerce (acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere) and other relevant Federal agencies, shall conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of marine energy technology, including activities to—
(1) assist technology development to improve the components, processes, and systems used for power generation from marine energy resources at a variety of scales;
(2) establish and expand critical testing infrastructure and facilities necessary to—
(A) demonstrate and prove marine energy devices at a range of scales in a manner that is cost-effective and efficient; and
(B) accelerate the technological readiness and commercial application of such devices;
(3) address marine energy resource variability issues, including through the application of energy storage technologies;
(4) advance efficient and reliable integration of marine energy with the electric grid, which may include smart building systems;
(5) identify and study critical short-term and long-term needs to maintaining a sustainable marine energy supply chain based in the United States;
(6) increase the reliability, security, and resilience of marine energy technologies;
(7) validate the performance, reliability, maintainability, and cost of marine energy device designs and system components in an operating environment;
(8) consider the protection of critical infrastructure, such as adequate separation between marine energy devices and submarine telecommunications cables, including through the development of voluntary, consensus-based standards for such purposes;
(9) identify opportunities for crosscutting research, development, and demonstration programs between existing energy research programs;
(10) identify and improve, in conjunction with the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and other relevant Federal agencies as appropriate, the environmental impact, including potential cumulative environmental impacts, of marine energy technologies, including—
(A) potential impacts on fisheries and other marine resources; and
(B) developing technologies, including mechanisms for self-evaluation, and other means available for improving environmental impact, including potential cumulative environmental impacts;
(11) identify, in consultation with relevant Federal agencies, potential navigational impacts of marine energy technologies and strategies to prevent possible adverse impacts, in addition to opportunities for marine energy systems to aid the United States Coast Guard, such as remote sensing for coastal border security;
(12) develop numerical and physical tools, including models and monitoring technologies, to assist industry in device and system design, installation, operation, and maintenance, including methods to validate such tools;
(13) support materials science as it relates to marine energy technology, such as the development of corrosive-resistant materials;
(14) improve marine energy resource forecasting and general understanding of aquatic system behavior, including turbulence and extreme conditions;
(15) develop metrics and voluntary, consensus-based standards, in coordination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and appropriate standard development organizations, for marine energy components, systems, and projects, including—
(A) measuring performance of marine energy technologies; and
(B) characterizing environmental conditions;
(16) enhance integration with hybrid energy systems, including desalination;
(17) identify opportunities to integrate marine energy technologies into new and existing infrastructure; and
(18) to 1 develop technology necessary to support the use of marine energy—
(A) for the generation and storage of power at sea; and
(B) for the generation and storage of power to promote the resilience of coastal communities, including in applications relating to—
(i) desalination;
(ii) disaster recovery and resilience; and
(iii) community microgrids in isolated power systems.
(b) Study of non-power sector applications for advanced marine energy technologies
(1) In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Commerce, shall conduct a study to examine opportunities for research and development in advanced marine energy technologies for non-power sector applications, including applications with respect to—
(A) the maritime transportation sector;
(B) associated maritime energy infrastructure, including infrastructure that serves ports, to improve system resilience and disaster recovery; and
(C) enabling scientific missions at sea and in extreme environments, including the Arctic.
(2) Report
Not later than 1 year after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report that describes the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1).
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 17214,
§17215. National Marine Energy Centers
(a) In general
The Secretary shall award grants, each such grant up to $10,000,000 per year, to institutions of higher education (or consortia thereof) for—
(1) the continuation and expansion of the research, development, demonstration, testing, and commercial application activities at the National Marine Energy Centers (referred to in this section as "Centers") established as of January 1, 2020; and
(2) the establishment of new National Marine Energy Centers.
(b) Location selection
In selecting institutions of higher education for new Centers, the Secretary shall consider the following criteria:
(1) Whether the institution hosts an existing marine energy research and development program.
(2) Whether the institution has proven technical expertise to support marine energy research.
(3) Whether the institution has access to marine resources.
(c) Purposes
The Centers shall coordinate among themselves, the Department, and National Laboratories to—
(1) advance research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of marine energy technologies in response to industry and commercial needs;
(2) support in-water testing and demonstration of marine energy technologies, including facilities capable of testing—
(A) marine energy systems of various technology readiness levels and scales;
(B) a variety of technologies in multiple test berths at a single location;
(C) arrays of technology devices; and
(D) interconnectivity to an electrical grid, including microgrids; and
(3) collect and disseminate information on best practices in all areas relating to developing and managing marine energy resources and energy systems.
(d) Coordination
To the extent practicable, the Centers shall coordinate their activities with the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and other relevant Federal agencies.
(e) Termination
To the extent otherwise authorized by law, the Secretary may terminate funding for a Center described in paragraph (a) if such Center is under-performing.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 17215,
§17216. Organization and administration of programs
(a) Coordination
In carrying out this part, the Secretary shall coordinate activities, and effectively manage cross-cutting research priorities across programs of the Department and other relevant Federal agencies, including the National Laboratories and the National Marine Energy Centers.
(b) Collaboration
(1) In general
In carrying out this part, the Secretary shall collaborate with industry, National Laboratories, other relevant Federal agencies, institutions of higher education, including Minority Serving Institutions, National Marine Energy Centers, Tribal entities, including Alaska Native Corporations, and international bodies with relevant scientific and technical expertise.
(2) Participation
To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall encourage research projects that promote collaboration between entities specified in paragraph (1) and include entities not historically associated with National Marine Energy Centers, such as Minority Serving Institutions.
(3) International collaboration
The Secretary, in coordination with other appropriate Federal and multilateral agencies (including the United States Agency for International Development) shall support collaborative efforts with international partners to promote the research, development, and demonstration of water power technologies used to develop hydropower, pump storage, and marine energy resources.
(c) Dissemination of results and public availability
The Secretary shall—
(1) publish the results of projects supported under this part through Department websites, reports, databases, training materials, and industry conferences, including information discovered after the completion of such projects, withholding any industrial proprietary information; and
(2) share results of such projects with the public except to the extent that the information is protected from disclosure under
(d) Award frequency
The Secretary shall solicit applications for awards under this part no less frequently than once per fiscal year.
(e) Education and outreach
In carrying out the activities described in this part, the Secretary shall support education and outreach activities to disseminate information and promote public understanding of water power technologies and the water power workforce, including activities at the National Marine Energy Centers.
(f) Technical assistance and workforce development
In carrying out this part, the Secretary may also conduct, for purposes of supporting technical, non-hardware, and information-based advances in water power systems development and operations—
(1) technical assistance and analysis activities with eligible entities, including activities that support expanding access to advanced water power technologies for rural, Tribal, and low-income communities; and
(2) workforce development and training activities, including to support the dissemination of standards and best practices for enabling water power production.
(g) Strategic plan
In carrying out the activities described in this part, the Secretary shall—
(1) not later than one year after December 27, 2020, draft a plan, considering input from relevant stakeholders such as industry and academia, to implement the programs described in this part and update the plan on an annual basis; and
(2) the plan 1 shall address near-term (up to 2 years), mid-term (up to 7 years), and long-term (up to 15 years) challenges to the advancement of water power systems.
(h) Report to Congress
Not later than 1 year after December 27, 2020, and at least once every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall provide, and make available to the public and the relevant authorizing and appropriations committees of Congress, a report on the findings of research conducted and activities carried out pursuant to this part, including the most current strategic plan under subsection (g) and the progress made in implementing such plan.
(
§17217. Applicability of other laws
Nothing in this part shall be construed as waiving, modifying, or superseding the applicability of any requirement under any environmental or other Federal or State law.
(
§17218. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this part $186,600,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, including $137,428,378 for marine energy and $49,171,622 for hydropower research, development, and demonstration activities.
(
Part D—Energy Storage for Transportation and Electric Power
§17231. Energy storage competitiveness
(a) Short title
This section may be cited as the "United States Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007".
(b) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Council
The term "Council" means the Energy Storage Advisory Council established under subsection (e).
(2) Compressed air energy storage
The term "compressed air energy storage" means, in the case of an electricity grid application, the storage of energy through the compression of air.
(3) Electric drive vehicle
The term "electric drive vehicle" means—
(A) a vehicle that uses an electric motor for all or part of the motive power of the vehicle, including battery electric, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and plug-in fuel cell vehicles and rail transportation vehicles; or
(B) mobile equipment that uses an electric motor to replace an internal combustion engine for all or part of the work of the equipment.
(4) Islanding
The term "islanding" means a distributed generator or energy storage device continuing to power a location in the absence of electric power from the primary source.
(5) Flywheel
The term "flywheel" means, in the case of an electricity grid application, a device used to store rotational kinetic energy.
(6) Microgrid
The term "microgrid" means an integrated energy system consisting of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources (including generators and energy storage devices), which as an integrated system can operate in parallel with the utility grid or in an intentional islanding mode.
(7) Self-healing grid
The term "self-healing grid" means a grid that is capable of automatically anticipating and responding to power system disturbances (including the isolation of failed sections and components), while optimizing the performance and service of the grid to customers.
(8) Spinning reserve services
The term "spinning reserve services" means a quantity of electric generating capacity in excess of the quantity needed to meet peak electric demand.
(9) Ultracapacitor
The term "ultracapacitor" means an energy storage device that has a power density comparable to a conventional capacitor but is capable of exceeding the energy density of a conventional capacitor by several orders of magnitude.
(c) Program
The Secretary shall carry out a research, development, and demonstration program to support the ability of the United States to remain globally competitive in energy storage systems for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution.
(d) Coordination
In carrying out the activities of this section, the Secretary shall coordinate relevant efforts with appropriate Federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation.
(e) Energy Storage Advisory Council
(1) Establishment
Not later than 90 days after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall establish an Energy Storage Advisory Council.
(2) Composition
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Council shall consist of not less than 15 individuals appointed by the Secretary, based on recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences.
(B) Energy storage industry
The Council shall consist primarily of representatives of the energy storage industry of the United States.
(C) Chairperson
The Secretary shall select a Chairperson for the Council from among the members appointed under subparagraph (A).
(3) Meetings
(A) In general
The Council shall meet not less than once a year.
(B) Chapter 10 of title 5
(4) Plans
No later than 1 year after December 19, 2007, and every 5 years thereafter, the Council, in conjunction with the Secretary, shall develop a 5-year plan for integrating basic and applied research so that the United States retains a globally competitive domestic energy storage industry for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution.
(5) Review
The Council shall—
(A) assess, every 2 years, the performance of the Department in meeting the goals of the plans developed under paragraph (4); and
(B) make specific recommendations to the Secretary on programs or activities that should be established or terminated to meet those goals.
(f) Basic research program
(1) Basic research
The Secretary shall conduct a basic research program on energy storage systems to support electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution, including—
(A) materials design;
(B) materials synthesis and characterization;
(C) electrode-active materials, including electrolytes and bioelectrolytes;
(D) surface and interface dynamics;
(E) modeling and simulation; and
(F) thermal behavior and life degradation mechanisms.
(2) Nanoscience centers
The Secretary, in cooperation with the Council, shall coordinate the activities of the nanoscience centers of the Department to help the energy storage research centers of the Department maintain a globally competitive posture in energy storage systems for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution.
(3) Funding
For activities carried out under this subsection, in addition to funding activities at National Laboratories, the Secretary shall award funds to, and coordinate activities with, a range of stakeholders including the public, private, and academic sectors.
(g) Applied research program
(1) In general
The Secretary shall conduct an applied research program on energy storage systems to support electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution technologies, including—
(A) ultracapacitors;
(B) flywheels;
(C) batteries and battery systems (including flow batteries);
(D) compressed air energy systems;
(E) power conditioning electronics;
(F) manufacturing technologies for energy storage systems;
(G) thermal management systems; and
(H) hydrogen as an energy storage medium.
(2) Funding
For activities carried out under this subsection, in addition to funding activities at National Laboratories, the Secretary shall provide funds to, and coordinate activities with, a range of stakeholders, including the public, private, and academic sectors.
(h) Energy storage research centers
(1) In general
The Secretary shall establish, through competitive bids, not more than 4 energy storage research centers to translate basic research into applied technologies to advance the capability of the United States to maintain a globally competitive posture in energy storage systems for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution.
(2) Program management
The centers shall be managed by the Under Secretary for Science of the Department.
(3) Participation agreements
As a condition of participating in a center, a participant shall enter into a participation agreement with the center that requires that activities conducted by the participant for the center promote the goal of enabling the United States to compete successfully in global energy storage markets.
(4) Plans
A center shall conduct activities that promote the achievement of the goals of the plans of the Council under subsection (e)(4).
(5) National laboratories
A national laboratory (as defined in
(6) Disclosure
(7) Intellectual property
In accordance with
(A) if an industrial participant is active in a 1 energy storage research center established under this subsection relating to the advancement of energy storage technologies carried out, in whole or in part, with Federal funding, the industrial participant be granted the first option to negotiate with the invention owner, at least in the field of energy storage technologies, nonexclusive licenses, and royalties on terms that are reasonable, as determined by the Secretary;
(B) if 1 or more industry participants are active in a center, during a 2-year period beginning on the date on which an invention is made—
(i) the patent holder shall not negotiate any license or royalty agreement with any entity that is not an industrial participant under this subsection; and
(ii) the patent holder shall negotiate nonexclusive licenses and royalties in good faith with any interested industrial participant under this subsection; and
(C) the new invention be developed under such other terms as the Secretary determines to be necessary to promote the accelerated commercialization of inventions made under this subsection to advance the capability of the United States to successfully compete in global energy storage markets.
(i) Energy storage systems demonstrations
(1) In general
The Secretary shall carry out a program of new demonstrations of advanced energy storage systems.
(2) Scope
The demonstrations shall—
(A) be regionally diversified; and
(B) expand on the existing technology demonstration program of the Department.
(3) Stakeholders
In carrying out the demonstrations, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include the participation of a range of stakeholders, including—
(A) rural electric cooperatives;
(B) investor owned utilities;
(C) municipally owned electric utilities;
(D) energy storage systems manufacturers;
(E) electric drive vehicle manufacturers;
(F) the renewable energy production industry;
(G) State or local energy offices;
(H) the fuel cell industry; and
(I) institutions of higher education.
(4) Objectives
Each of the demonstrations shall include 1 or more of the following:
(A) Energy storage to improve the feasibility of microgrids or islanding, or transmission and distribution capability, to improve reliability in rural areas.
(B) Integration of an energy storage system with a self-healing grid.
(C) Use of energy storage to improve security to emergency response infrastructure and ensure availability of emergency backup power for consumers.
(D) Integration with a renewable energy production source, at the source or away from the source.
(E) Use of energy storage to provide ancillary services, such as spinning reserve services, for grid management.
(F) Advancement of power conversion systems to make the systems smarter, more efficient, able to communicate with other inverters, and able to control voltage.
(G) Use of energy storage to optimize transmission and distribution operation and power quality, which could address overloaded lines and maintenance of transformers and substations.
(H) Use of advanced energy storage for peak load management of homes, businesses, and the grid.
(I) Use of energy storage devices to store energy during nonpeak generation periods to make better use of existing grid assets.
(j) Vehicle energy storage demonstration
(1) In general
The Secretary shall carry out a program of electric drive vehicle energy storage technology demonstrations.
(2) Consortia
The technology demonstrations shall be conducted through consortia, which may include—
(A) energy storage systems manufacturers and suppliers of the manufacturers;
(B) electric drive vehicle manufacturers;
(C) rural electric cooperatives;
(D) investor owned utilities;
(E) municipal and rural electric utilities;
(F) State and local governments;
(G) metropolitan transportation authorities; and
(H) institutions of higher education.
(3) Objectives
The program shall demonstrate 1 or more of the following:
(A) Novel, high capacity, high efficiency energy storage, charging, and control systems, along with the collection of data on performance characteristics, such as battery life, energy storage capacity, and power delivery capacity.
(B) Advanced onboard energy management systems and highly efficient battery cooling systems.
(C) Integration of those systems on a prototype vehicular platform, including with drivetrain systems for passenger, commercial, and nonroad electric drive vehicles.
(D) New technologies and processes that reduce manufacturing costs.
(E) Integration of advanced vehicle technologies with electricity distribution system and smart metering technology.
(F) Control systems that minimize emissions profiles in cases in which clean diesel engines are part of a plug-in hybrid drive system.
(k) Electric drive vehicle battery second-life applications and recycling
(1) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Battery recycling and second-life applications program
The term "battery recycling and second-life applications program" means the electric drive vehicle battery recycling and second-life applications program established under paragraph (3).
(B) Critical material
The term "critical material" has the meaning given the term in
(C) Economically distressed area
The term "economically distressed area" means an area described in
(D) Electric drive vehicle battery
The term "electric drive 2 vehicle battery" means any battery that is a motive power source for an electric drive vehicle.
(E) Eligible entity
The term "eligible entity" means an entity described in any of paragraphs (1) through (5) of
(2) Program
The Secretary shall carry out a program of research, development, and demonstration of—
(A) second-life applications for electric drive vehicle batteries that have been used to power electric drive vehicles; and
(B) technologies and processes for final recycling and disposal of the devices described in subparagraph (A).
(3) Electric drive vehicle battery recycling and second-life applications
(A) In general
In carrying out the program under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall establish an electric drive vehicle battery recycling and second-life applications program under which the Secretary shall—
(i) award grants under subparagraph (D); and
(ii) carry out other activities in accordance with this paragraph.
(B) Purposes
The purposes of the battery recycling and second-life applications program are the following:
(i) To improve the recycling rates and second-use adoption rates of electric drive vehicle batteries.
(ii) To optimize the design and adaptability of electric drive vehicle batteries to make electric drive vehicle batteries more easily recyclable.
(iii) To establish alternative supply chains for critical materials that are found in electric drive vehicle batteries.
(iv) To reduce the cost of manufacturing, installation, purchase, operation, and maintenance of electric drive vehicle batteries.
(v) To improve the environmental impact of electric drive vehicle battery recycling processes.
(C) Targets
In carrying out the battery recycling and second-life applications program, the Secretary shall address near-term (up to 2 years), mid-term (up to 5 years), and long-term (up to 10 years) challenges to the recycling of electric drive vehicle batteries.
(D) Grants
(i) In general
In carrying out the battery recycling and second-life applications program, the Secretary shall award multiyear grants on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis to eligible entities—
(I) to conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation of solutions to increase the rate and productivity of electric drive vehicle battery recycling; and
(II) for research, development, and demonstration projects to create innovative and practical approaches to increase the recycling and second-use of electric drive vehicle batteries, including by addressing—
(aa) technology to increase the efficiency of electric drive vehicle battery recycling and maximize the recovery of critical materials for use in new products;
(bb) expanded uses for critical materials recovered from electric drive vehicle batteries;
(cc) product design and construction to facilitate the disassembly and recycling of electric drive vehicle batteries;
(dd) product design and construction and other tools and techniques to extend the lifecycle of electric drive vehicle batteries, including methods to promote the safe second-use of electric drive vehicle batteries;
(ee) strategies to increase consumer acceptance of, and participation in, the recycling of electric drive vehicle batteries;
(ff) improvements and changes to electric drive vehicle battery chemistries that include ways to decrease processing costs for battery recycling without sacrificing front-end performance;
(gg) second-use of electric drive vehicle batteries, including in applications outside of the automotive industry; and
(hh) the commercialization and scale-up of electric drive vehicle battery recycling technologies.
(ii) Priority
In awarding grants under clause (i), the Secretary shall give priority to projects that—
(I) are located in geographically diverse regions of the United States;
(II) include business commercialization plans that have the potential for the recycling of electric drive vehicle batteries at high volumes;
(III) support the development of advanced manufacturing technologies that have the potential to improve the competitiveness of the United States in the international electric drive vehicle battery manufacturing sector;
(IV) provide the greatest potential to reduce costs for consumers and promote accessibility and community implementation of demonstrated technologies;
(V) increase disclosure and transparency of information to consumers;
(VI) support the development or demonstration of projects in economically distressed areas; and
(VII) support other relevant priorities, as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary.
(iii) Solicitation
Not later than 90 days after November 15, 2021, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a national solicitation for applications for grants described in clause (i).
(iv) Dissemination of results
The Secretary shall publish the results of the projects carried out through grants awarded under clause (i) through—
(I) best practices relating to those grants, for use in the electric drive vehicle battery manufacturing, design, installation, refurbishing, or recycling industries;
(II) coordination with information dissemination programs relating to general recycling of electronic devices; and
(III) educational materials for the public, produced in conjunction with State and local governments or nonprofit organizations, on the problems and solutions relating to the recycling and second-life applications of electric drive vehicle batteries.
(E) Coordination with other programs of the Department
In carrying out the battery recycling and second-life applications program, the Secretary shall coordinate and leverage the resources of complementary efforts of the Department.
(F) Study and report
(i) Study
The Secretary shall conduct a study on the viable market opportunities available for the recycling, second-use, and manufacturing of electric drive vehicle batteries in the United States.
(ii) Report
Not later than 1 year after November 15, 2021, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, and any other relevant committee of Congress a report containing the results of the study under clause (i), including a description of—
(I) the ability of relevant businesses or other entities to competitively manufacture electric drive vehicle batteries and recycle electric drive vehicle batteries in the United States;
(II) any existing electric drive vehicle battery recycling and second-use practices and plans of electric drive vehicle manufacturing companies in the United States;
(III) any barriers to electric drive vehicle battery recycling in the United States;
(IV) opportunities and barriers in electric drive vehicle battery supply chains in the United States and internationally, including with allies and trading partners;
(V) opportunities for job creation in the electric drive vehicle battery recycling and manufacturing fields and the necessary skills employees must acquire for growth of those fields in the United States;
(VI) policy recommendations for enhancing electric drive vehicle battery manufacturing and recycling in the United States;
(VII) any recommendations for lowering logistics costs and creating better coordination and efficiency with respect to the removal, collection, transportation, storage, and disassembly of electric drive vehicle batteries;
(VIII) any recommendations for areas of coordination with other Federal agencies to improve electric drive vehicle battery recycling rates in the United States;
(IX) an aggressive 2-year target and plan, the implementation of which shall begin during the 90-day period beginning on the date on which the report is submitted, to enhance the competitiveness of electric drive vehicle battery manufacturing and recycling in the United States; and
(X) needs for future research, development, and demonstration projects in electric drive vehicle battery manufacturing, recycling, and related areas, as determined by the Secretary.
(G) Evaluation
Not later than 3 years after the date on which the report under subparagraph (F)(ii) is submitted, and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct, and make available to the public and the relevant committees of Congress, an independent review of the progress of the grants awarded under subparagraph (D) in meeting the recommendations and targets included in the report.
(l) Cost sharing
The Secretary shall carry out the programs established under this section in accordance with
(m) Merit review of proposals
The Secretary shall carry out the programs established under subsections (i), (j), and (k) in accordance with
(n) Coordination and nonduplication
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall coordinate activities under this section with other programs and laboratories of the Department and other Federal research programs.
(o) Review by National Academy of Sciences
On the business day that is 5 years after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall offer to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to assess the performance of the Department in carrying out this section.
(p) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out—
(1) the basic research program under subsection (f) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018;
(2) the applied research program under subsection (g) $80,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018; and; 2
(3) the energy storage research center program under subsection (h) $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018;
(4) the energy storage systems demonstration program under subsection (i) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018;
(5) the vehicle energy storage demonstration program under subsection (j) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2018; and
(6) the electric drive vehicle battery recycling and second-life applications program under subsection (k) $200,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
(q) Critical material recycling and reuse research, development, and demonstration program
(1) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Critical material
The term "critical material" has the meaning given the term in 1606 of title 30.
(B) Critical material recycling
The term "critical material recycling" means the separation and recovery of critical materials embedded within an energy storage system through physical or chemical means for the purpose of reuse of those critical materials in other technologies.
(2) Establishment
Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall establish a research, development, and demonstration program for critical material recycling and reuse of energy storage systems containing critical materials.
(3) Research, development, and demonstration
In carrying out the program established under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall conduct—
(A) research, development, and demonstration activities for—
(i) technologies, process improvements, and design optimizations that facilitate and promote critical material recycling of energy storage systems, including separation and sorting of component materials of such systems, and extraction, recovery, and reuse of critical materials from such systems;
(ii) technologies and methods that mitigate emissions and environmental impacts that arise from critical material recycling, including disposal of toxic reagents and byproducts related to critical material recycling processes;
(iii) technologies to enable extraction, recovery, and reuse of energy storage systems from electric vehicles and critical material recycling from such vehicles; and
(iv) technologies and methods to enable the safe transport, storage, and disposal of energy storage systems containing critical materials, including waste materials and components recovered during the critical material recycling process; and
(B) research on nontechnical barriers to improve the collection and critical material recycling of energy storage systems, including strategies to improve consumer education of, acceptance of, and participation in, the critical material recycling of energy storage systems.
(4) Report to Congress
Not later than 2 years after December 27, 2020, and every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report summarizing the activities, findings, and progress of the program.
(
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section 40334(1) of
Amendments
2022—Subsec. (e)(3)(B).
2021—Subsec. (k).
Subsec. (p)(6).
2020—Subsec. (q).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
Wage Rate Requirements
For provisions relating to rates of wages to be paid to laborers and mechanics on projects for construction, alteration, or repair work funded under div. D or an amendment by div. D of
1 So in original. Probably should be "an".
§17232. Better energy storage technology
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Energy storage system
The term "energy storage system" means any system, equipment, facility, or technology that—
(A) is capable of absorbing or converting energy, storing the energy for a period of time, and dispatching the energy; and
(B)(i) uses mechanical, electrochemical, thermal, electrolysis, or other processes to convert and store electric energy that was generated at an earlier time for use at a later time;
(ii) uses mechanical, electrochemical, biochemical, or thermal processes to convert and store energy generated from mechanical processes that would otherwise be wasted, for delivery at a later time; or
(iii) stores energy in an electric, thermal, or gaseous state for direct use for heating or cooling at a later time in a manner that avoids the need to use electricity or other fuel sources at that later time, such as a grid-enabled water heater.
(2) Program
The term "program" means the Energy Storage System Research, Development, and Deployment Program established under subsection (b)(1).
(3) Secretary
The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Energy.
(b) Energy Storage System Research, Development, and Deployment Program
(1) Establishment
Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall establish a program, to be known as the Energy Storage System Research, Development, and Deployment Program.
(2) Initial program objectives
The program shall focus on research, development, and deployment of—
(A) energy storage systems, components, and materials designed to further the development of technologies—
(i) for large-scale commercial deployment;
(ii) for deployment at cost targets established by the Secretary;
(iii) for hourly and subhourly durations required to provide reliability services to the grid;
(iv) for daily durations, which have the capacity to discharge energy for a minimum of 6 hours;
(v) for weekly or monthly durations, which have the capacity to discharge energy for 10 to 100 hours, at a minimum; and
(vi) for seasonal durations, which have the capability to address seasonal variations in supply and demand;
(B) distributed energy storage technologies and applications, including building-grid integration;
(C) long-term cost, performance, and demonstration targets for different types of energy storage systems and for use in a variety of regions, including rural areas;
(D) transportation energy storage technologies and applications, including vehicle-grid integration;
(E) cost-effective systems and methods for—
(i) the sustainable and secure sourcing, reclamation, recycling, and disposal of energy storage systems, including critical minerals; and
(ii) the reuse and repurposing of energy storage system technologies;
(F) advanced control methods for energy storage systems;
(G) pumped hydroelectric energy storage systems to advance—
(i) adoption of innovative technologies, including—
(I) systems with adjustable-speed and other new pumping and generating equipment designs;
(II) modular systems;
(III) closed-loop systems, including mines and quarries; and
(IV) other innovative equipment and materials as determined by the Secretary; and
(ii) reductions of civil works costs and construction times for hydropower and pumped storage systems, including comprehensive data and systems analysis of hydropower and pumped storage construction technologies and processes in order to identify areas for whole-system efficiency gains;
(H) models and tools to demonstrate the costs and benefits of energy storage to—
(i) power and water supply systems;
(ii) electric generation portfolio optimization; and
(iii) expanded deployment of other renewable energy technologies, including in integrated energy storage systems;
(I) energy storage use cases from individual and combination technology applications, including value from various-use cases and energy storage services; and
(J) advanced manufacturing technologies that have the potential to improve United States competitiveness in energy storage manufacturing or reduce United States dependence on critical materials.
(3) Testing and validation
In coordination with 1 or more National Laboratories, the Secretary shall support the development, standardized testing, and validation of energy storage systems under the program, including test-bed and field trials, by developing testing and evaluation methodologies for—
(A) storage technologies, controls, and power electronics for energy storage systems under a variety of operating conditions;
(B) standardized and grid performance testing for energy storage systems, materials, and technologies during each stage of development;
(C) reliability, safety, degradation, and durability testing under standard and evolving duty cycles; and
(D) accelerated life testing protocols to predict estimated lifetime metrics with accuracy.
(4) Periodic evaluation of program objectives
Not less frequently than once every calendar year, the Secretary shall evaluate and, if necessary, update the program objectives to ensure that the program continues to advance energy storage systems toward widespread commercial deployment by lowering the costs and increasing the duration of energy storage resources.
(5) Energy storage strategic plan
(A) In general
The Secretary shall develop a 10-year strategic plan for the program, and update the plan, in accordance with this paragraph.
(B) Contents
The strategic plan developed under subparagraph (A) shall—
(i) be coordinated with and integrated across other relevant offices in the Department;
(ii) to the extent practicable, include metrics that can be used to evaluate storage technologies;
(iii) identify Department programs that—
(I) support the research and development activities described in paragraph (2) and the demonstration projects under subsection (c); and
(II)(aa) do not support the activities or projects described in subclause (I); but
(bb) are important to the development of energy storage systems and the mission of the Department, as determined by the Secretary;
(iv) include expected timelines for—
(I) the accomplishment of relevant objectives under current programs of the Department relating to energy storage systems; and
(II) the commencement of any new initiatives within the Department relating to energy storage systems to accomplish those objectives; and
(v) incorporate relevant activities described in the Grid Modernization Initiative Multi-Year Program Plan.
(C) Submission to Congress
Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives the strategic plan developed under subparagraph (A).
(D) Updates to plan
The Secretary—
(i) shall annually review the strategic plan developed under subparagraph (A); and
(ii) may periodically revise the strategic plan as appropriate.
(6) Leveraging of resources
The program may be led by a specific office of the Department, but shall be cross-cutting in nature, so that in carrying out activities under the program, the Secretary (or a designee of the Secretary charged with leading the program) shall leverage existing Federal resources, including, at a minimum, the expertise and resources of—
(A) the Office of Electricity;
(B) the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, including the Water Power Technologies Office; and
(C) the Office of Science, including—
(i) the Basic Energy Sciences Program;
(ii) the Advanced Scientific Computing Research Program;
(iii) the Biological and Environmental Research Program; and
(D) the Electricity Storage Research Initiative established under
(7) Protecting privacy and security
In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall identify, incorporate, and follow best practices for protecting the privacy of individuals and businesses and the respective sensitive data of the individuals and businesses, including by managing privacy risk and implementing the Fair Information Practice Principles of the Federal Trade Commission for the collection, use, disclosure, and retention of individual electric consumer information in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget Circular A–130 (or successor circulars).
(c) Energy storage demonstration projects; pilot grant program
(1) Demonstration projects
Not later than September 30, 2023, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, enter into agreements to carry out 3 energy storage system demonstration projects, including—
(A) at least 1 energy storage system demonstration project designed to further the development of technologies described in clause (v) or (vi) of subsection (b)(2)(A); and
(B) 1 project to demonstrate second-life applications of electric vehicle batteries as aggregated energy storage installations to provide services to the electric grid, in accordance with paragraph (3).
(2) Energy storage pilot grant program
(A) Definition of eligible entity
In this paragraph, the term "eligible entity" means—
(i) a State energy office (as defined in
(ii) an Indian Tribe (as defined in
(iii) a Tribal organization (as defined in
(iv) an institution of higher education (as defined in
(v) an electric utility, including—
(I) an electric cooperative;
(II) a political subdivision of a State, such as a municipally owned electric utility, or any agency, authority, corporation, or instrumentality of a State political subdivision; and
(III) an investor-owned utility; and
(vi) a private energy storage company.
(B) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant program under which the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to carry out demonstration projects for pilot energy storage systems.
(C) Selection requirements
In selecting eligible entities to receive a grant under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable—
(i) ensure regional diversity among eligible entities awarded grants, including ensuring participation of eligible entities that are rural States and States with high energy costs;
(ii) ensure that grants are awarded for demonstration projects that—
(I) expand on the existing technology demonstration programs of the Department;
(II) are designed to achieve 1 or more of the objectives described in subparagraph (D); and
(III) inject or withdraw energy from the bulk power system, electric distribution system, building energy system, or microgrid (grid-connected or islanded mode) where the project is located;
(iii) give consideration to proposals from eligible entities for securing energy storage through competitive procurement or contract for service; and
(iv) prioritize projects that leverage matching funds from non-Federal sources.
(D) Objectives
Each demonstration project carried out by a grant awarded under subparagraph (B) shall have 1 or more of the following objectives:
(i) To improve the security of critical infrastructure and emergency response systems.
(ii) To improve the reliability of transmission and distribution systems, particularly in rural areas, including high-energy cost rural areas.
(iii) To optimize transmission or distribution system operation and power quality to defer or avoid costs of replacing or upgrading electric grid infrastructure, including transformers and substations.
(iv) To supply energy at peak periods of demand on the electric grid or during periods of significant variation of electric grid supply.
(v) To reduce peak loads of homes and businesses.
(vi) To improve and advance power conversion systems.
(vii) To provide ancillary services for grid stability and management.
(viii) To integrate renewable energy resource production.
(ix) To increase the feasibility of microgrids (grid-connected or islanded mode).
(x) To enable the use of stored energy in forms other than electricity to support the natural gas system and other industrial processes.
(xi) To integrate fast charging of electric vehicles.
(xii) To improve energy efficiency.
(3) Demonstration of electric vehicle battery second-life applications for grid services
(A) In general
The Secretary shall enter into an agreement to carry out a project to demonstrate second-life applications of electric vehicle batteries as aggregated energy storage installations to provide services to the electric grid.
(B) Purposes
The purposes of the project under subparagraph (A) shall be—
(i) to demonstrate power safety and the reliability of the applications demonstrated under the program;
(ii) to demonstrate the ability of electric vehicle batteries—
(I) to provide ancillary services for grid stability and management; and
(II) to reduce the peak loads of homes and businesses;
(iii) to extend the useful life of electric vehicle batteries and the components of electric vehicle batteries prior to the collection, recycling, and reprocessing of the batteries and components; and
(iv) to increase acceptance of, and participation in, the use of second-life applications of electric vehicle batteries by utilities.
(C) Priority
In selecting a project to carry out under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give priority to projects in which the demonstration of the applicable second-life applications is paired with 1 or more facilities that could particularly benefit from increased resiliency and lower energy costs, such as a multi-family affordable housing facility, a senior care facility, and a community health center.
(4) Reports
Not less frequently than once every 3 years for the duration of the programs under paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary shall submit to Congress and make publicly available a report describing the performance of those programs.
(5) No project ownership interest
The Federal Government shall not hold any equity or other ownership interest in any energy storage system that is part of a project under this subsection unless the holding is agreed to by each participant of the project.
(d) Long-duration demonstration initiative and joint program
(1) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Initiative
The term "Initiative" means the demonstration initiative established under paragraph (2).
(B) Joint Program
The term "Joint Program" means the joint program established under paragraph (4).
(2) Establishment of Initiative
Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall establish a demonstration initiative composed of demonstration projects focused on the development of long-duration energy storage technologies.
(3) Selection of projects
To the maximum extent practicable, in selecting demonstration projects to participate in the Initiative, the Secretary shall—
(A) ensure a range of technology types;
(B) ensure regional diversity among projects; and
(C) consider bulk power level, distribution power level, behind-the-meter, microgrid (gridconnected or islanded mode), and off-grid applications.
(4) Joint program
(A) Establishment
As part of the Initiative, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall establish within the Department a joint program to carry out projects—
(i) to demonstrate promising long-duration energy storage technologies at different scales; and
(ii) to help new, innovative long-duration energy storage technologies become commercially viable.
(B) Memorandum of understanding
Not later than 200 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Defense to administer the Joint Program.
(C) Infrastructure
In carrying out the Joint Program, the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense shall—
(i) use existing test-bed infrastructure at—
(I) Department facilities; and
(II) Department of Defense installations; and
(ii) develop new infrastructure for identified projects, if appropriate.
(D) Goals and metrics
The Secretary and the Secretary of Defense shall develop goals and metrics for technological progress under the Joint Program consistent with energy resilience and energy security policies.
(E) Selection of projects
(i) In general
To the maximum extent practicable, in selecting projects to participate in the Joint Program, the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense shall—
(I) ensure that projects are carried out under conditions that represent a variety of environments with different physical conditions and market constraints; and
(II) ensure an appropriate balance of—
(aa) larger, higher-cost projects; and
(bb) smaller, lower-cost projects.
(ii) Priority
In carrying out the Joint Program, the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense shall give priority to demonstration projects that—
(I) make available to the public project information that will accelerate deployment of long-duration energy storage technologies; and
(II) will be carried out in the field.
(e) Pumped storage hydropower wind and solar integration and system reliability initiative
(1) Definition of eligible entity
In this subsection, the term "eligible entity" means—
(A)(i) an electric utility, including—
(I) a political subdivision of a State, such as a municipally owned electric utility; or
(II) an instrumentality of a State composed of municipally owned electric utilities;
(ii) an electric cooperative; or
(iii) an investor-owned utility;
(B) an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization;
(C) a State energy office;
(D) an institution of higher education; and
(E) a consortium of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).
(2) Demonstration project
(A) In general
Not later than September 30, 2023, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, enter into an agreement with an eligible entity to provide financial assistance to the eligible entity to carry out project design, transmission studies, power market assessments, and permitting for a pumped storage hydropower project to facilitate the long-duration storage of intermittent renewable electricity.
(B) Project requirements
To be eligible for financial assistance under subparagraph (A), a project shall—
(i) be designed to provide not less than 1,000 megawatts of storage capacity;
(ii) be able to provide energy and capacity for use in more than 1 organized electricity market;
(iii) be able to store electricity generated by intermittent renewable electricity projects located on Tribal land; and
(iv) have received a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
(C) Matching requirement
An eligible entity receiving financial assistance under subparagraph (A) shall provide matching funds equal to or greater than the amount of financial assistance provided under that subparagraph.
(3) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
(f) Omitted
(g) Coordination
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall coordinate the activities under this section (including activities conducted pursuant to the amendments made by this section) among the offices and employees of the Department, other Federal agencies, and other relevant entities—
(1) to ensure appropriate collaboration;
(2) to avoid unnecessary duplication of those activities; and
(3) to increase domestic manufacturing and production of energy storage systems, such as those within the Department and within the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
(h) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated—
(1) to carry out subsection (b), $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, to remain available until expended;
(2) to carry out subsection (c), $71,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, to remain available until expended; and
(3) to carry out subsection (d), $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, to remain available until expended.
(
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Energy Act of 2020, and not as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which comprises this chapter.
Section is comprised of section 3201 of div. Z of
Amendments
2021—Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (c)(3) to (5).
Subsecs. (e) to (h).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Wage Rate Requirements
For provisions relating to rates of wages to be paid to laborers and mechanics on projects for construction, alteration, or repair work funded under div. D or an amendment by div. D of
1 So in original. A closing parenthesis probably should precede the semicolon.
§17233. Energy storage technology and microgrid assistance program
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible entity
The term "eligible entity" means—
(A) a rural electric cooperative;
(B) an agency, authority, or instrumentality of a State or political subdivision of a State that sells or otherwise uses electrical energy to provide electric services for customers; or
(C) a nonprofit organization working with at least 6 entities described in subparagraph (A) or (B).
(2) Energy storage technology
The term "energy storage technology" includes grid-enabled water heaters, building heating or cooling systems, electric vehicles, the production of hydrogen for transportation or industrial use, or other technologies that store energy.
(3) Microgrid
The term "microgrid" means a localized grid that operates autonomously regardless of whether the grid can operate in connection with another grid.
(4) Renewable energy source
The term "renewable energy source" has the meaning given the term in
(5) Rural electric cooperative
The term "rural electric cooperative" means an electric cooperative (as defined in
(6) Secretary
The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Energy.
(b) In general
Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary shall—
(1) provide grants to eligible entities under subsection (d);
(2) provide technical assistance to eligible entities under subsection (e); and
(3) disseminate information to eligible entities on—
(A) the activities described in subsections (d)(1) and (e); and
(B) potential and existing energy storage technology and microgrid projects.
(c) Cooperative agreement
The Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement with an eligible entity to carry out subsection (b).
(d) Grants
(1) In general
The Secretary may award grants to eligible entities for identifying, evaluating, designing, and demonstrating energy storage technology and microgrid projects that utilize energy from renewable energy sources.
(2) Application
To be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(3) Use of grant
An eligible entity that receives a grant under paragraph (1)—
(A) shall use the grant—
(i) to conduct feasibility studies to assess the potential for implementation or improvement of energy storage technology or microgrid projects;
(ii) to analyze and implement strategies to overcome barriers to energy storage technology or microgrid project implementation, including financial, contracting, siting, and permitting barriers;
(iii) to conduct detailed engineering of energy storage technology or microgrid projects;
(iv) to perform a cost-benefit analysis with respect to an energy storage technology or microgrid project;
(v) to plan for both the short- and long-term inclusion of energy storage technology or microgrid projects into the future development plans of the eligible entity; or
(vi) to purchase and install necessary equipment, materials, and supplies for demonstration of emerging technologies; and
(B) may use the grant to obtain technical assistance from experts in carrying out the activities described in subparagraph (A).
(4) Condition
As a condition of receiving a grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall—
(A) implement a public awareness campaign, in coordination with the Secretary, about the project implemented under the grant in the community in which the eligible entity is located, which campaign shall include providing projected environmental benefits achieved under the project, where to find more information about the program established under this section, and any other information the Secretary determines necessary;
(B) submit to the Secretary, and make available to the public, a report that describes—
(i) any energy cost savings and environmental benefits achieved under the project; and
(ii) the results of the project, including quantitative assessments to the extent practicable, associated with each activity described in paragraph (3)(A); and
(C) create and disseminate tools and resources that will benefit other rural electric cooperatives, which may include cost calculators, guidebooks, handbooks, templates, and training courses.
(5) Cost-share
Activities under this subsection shall be subject to the cost-sharing requirements of
(e) Technical assistance
(1) In general
In carrying out the program established under subsection (b), the Secretary may provide eligible entities with technical assistance relating to—
(A) identifying opportunities for energy storage technology and microgrid projects;
(B) understanding the technical and economic characteristics of energy storage technology or microgrid projects;
(C) understanding financing alternatives;
(D) permitting and siting issues;
(E) obtaining case studies of similar and successful energy storage technology or microgrid projects;
(F) reviewing and obtaining computer software for assessment, design, and operation and maintenance of energy storage technology or microgrid systems; and
(G) understanding and utilizing the reliability and resiliency benefits of energy storage technology and microgrid projects.
(2) External contracts
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary may enter into contracts with third-party experts, including engineering, finance, and insurance experts, to provide technical assistance to eligible entities relating to the activities described in such paragraph, or other relevant activities, as determined by the Secretary.
(f) Authorization of appropriations
(1) In general
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.
(2) Administrative costs
Not more than 5 percent of the amount appropriated under paragraph (1) for each fiscal year shall be used for administrative expenses.
(
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Energy Act of 2020, and not as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which comprises this chapter.
Part E—Miscellaneous Provisions
§17241. Lightweight materials research and development
(a) In general
As soon as practicable after December 19, 2007, the Secretary of Energy shall establish a program to determine ways in which the weight of motor vehicles could be reduced to improve fuel efficiency without compromising passenger safety by conducting research, development, and demonstration relating to—
(1) the development of new materials (including cast metal composite materials formed by autocombustion synthesis) and material processes that yield a higher strength-to-weight ratio or other properties that reduce vehicle weight; and
(2) reducing the cost of—
(A) lightweight materials (including high-strength steel alloys, aluminum, magnesium, metal composites, and carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites) with the properties required for construction of lighter-weight vehicles; and
(B) materials processing, automated manufacturing, joining, and recycling lightweight materials for high-volume applications.
(b) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $80,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17242. Commercial insulation demonstration program
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Advanced insulation
The term "advanced insulation" means insulation that has an R value of not less than R35 per inch.
(2) Covered refrigeration unit
The term "covered refrigeration unit" means any—
(A) commercial refrigerated truck;
(B) commercial refrigerated trailer; or
(C) commercial refrigerator, freezer, or refrigerator-freezer described in
(b) Report
Not later than 90 days after December 19, 2007, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes an evaluation of—
(1) the state of technological advancement of advanced insulation; and
(2) the projected amount of cost savings that would be generated by implementing advanced insulation into covered refrigeration units.
(c) Demonstration program
(1) Establishment
If the Secretary determines in the report described in subsection (b) that the implementation of advanced insulation into covered refrigeration units would generate an economically justifiable amount of cost savings, the Secretary, in cooperation with manufacturers of covered refrigeration units, shall establish a demonstration program under which the Secretary shall demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of advanced insulation.
(2) Disclosure
The Secretary may, for a period of up to 5 years after an award is granted under the demonstration program, exempt from mandatory disclosure under
(3) Cost-sharing
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $8,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2014.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17243. Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prizes
(a) Establishment
Not later than 1 year after December 19, 2007, as part of the program carried out under
(b) Prize specifications
(1) 60-Watt Incandescent Replacement Lamp Prize
The Secretary shall award a 60-Watt Incandescent Replacement Lamp Prize to an entrant that produces a solid-state-light package simultaneously capable of—
(A) producing a luminous flux greater than 900 lumens;
(B) consuming less than or equal to 10 watts;
(C) having an efficiency greater than 90 lumens per watt;
(D) having a color rendering index greater than 90;
(E) having a correlated color temperature of not less than 2,750, and not more than 3,000, degrees Kelvin;
(F) having 70 percent of the lumen value under subparagraph (A) exceeding 25,000 hours under typical conditions expected in residential use;
(G) having a light distribution pattern similar to a soft 60-watt incandescent A19 bulb;
(H) having a size and shape that fits within the maximum dimensions of an A19 bulb in accordance with American National Standards Institute standard C78.20–2003, figure C78.20–211;
(I) using a single contact medium screw socket; and
(J) mass production for a competitive sales commercial market satisfied by producing commercially accepted quality control lots of such units equal to or exceeding the criteria described in subparagraphs (A) through (I).
(2) PAR Type 38 Halogen Replacement Lamp Prize
The Secretary shall award a Parabolic Aluminized Reflector Type 38 Halogen Replacement Lamp Prize (referred to in this section as the "PAR Type 38 Halogen Replacement Lamp Prize") to an entrant that produces a solid-state-light package simultaneously capable of—
(A) producing a luminous flux greater than or equal to 1,350 lumens;
(B) consuming less than or equal to 11 watts;
(C) having an efficiency greater than 123 lumens per watt;
(D) having a color rendering index greater than or equal to 90;
(E) having a correlated color coordinate temperature of not less than 2,750, and not more than 3,000, degrees Kelvin;
(F) having 70 percent of the lumen value under subparagraph (A) exceeding 25,000 hours under typical conditions expected in residential use;
(G) having a light distribution pattern similar to a PAR 38 halogen lamp;
(H) having a size and shape that fits within the maximum dimensions of a PAR 38 halogen lamp in accordance with American National Standards Institute standard C78–21–2003, figure C78.21–238;
(I) using a single contact medium screw socket; and
(J) mass production for a competitive sales commercial market satisfied by producing commercially accepted quality control lots of such units equal to or exceeding the criteria described in subparagraphs (A) through (I).
(3) Twenty-First Century Lamp Prize
The Secretary shall award a Twenty-First Century Lamp Prize to an entrant that produces a solid-state-light-light 1 capable of—
(A) producing a light output greater than 1,200 lumens;
(B) having an efficiency greater than 150 lumens per watt;
(C) having a color rendering index greater than 90;
(D) having a color coordinate temperature between 2,800 and 3,000 degrees Kelvin; and
(E) having a lifetime exceeding 25,000 hours.
(c) Private funds
(1) In general
Subject to paragraph (2), and notwithstanding
(A) without further appropriation; and
(B) without fiscal year limitation.
(2) Prize competition
A private source of funding may not participate in the competition for prizes awarded under this section.
(d) Technical review
The Secretary shall establish a technical review committee composed of non-Federal officers to review entrant data submitted under this section to determine whether the data meets the prize specifications described in subsection (b).
(e) Third party administration
The Secretary may competitively select a third party to administer awards under this section.
(f) Eligibility for prizes
To be eligible to be awarded a prize under this section—
(1) in the case of a private entity, the entity shall be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the United States; and
(2) in the case of an individual (whether participating as a single individual or in a group), the individual shall be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
(g) Award amounts
Subject to the availability of funds to carry out this section, the amount of—
(1) the 60-Watt Incandescent Replacement Lamp Prize described in subsection (b)(1) shall be $10,000,000;
(2) the PAR Type 38 Halogen Replacement Lamp Prize described in subsection (b)(2) shall be $5,000,000; and
(3) the Twenty-First Century Lamp Prize described in subsection (b)(3) shall be $5,000,000.
(h) Federal procurement of solid-state-lights
(1) 60-watt incandescent replacement
Subject to paragraph (3), as soon as practicable after the successful award of the 60-Watt Incandescent Replacement Lamp Prize under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary (in consultation with the Administrator of General Services) shall develop governmentwide Federal purchase guidelines with a goal of replacing the use of 60-watt incandescent lamps in Federal Government buildings with a solid-state-light package described in subsection (b)(1) by not later than the date that is 5 years after the date the award is made.
(2) PAR 38 halogen replacement lamp replacement 1
Subject to paragraph (3), as soon as practicable after the successful award of the PAR Type 38 Halogen Replacement Lamp Prize under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary (in consultation with the Administrator of General Services) shall develop governmentwide Federal purchase guidelines with the goal of replacing the use of PAR 38 halogen lamps in Federal Government buildings with a solid-state-light package described in subsection (b)(2) by not later than the date that is 5 years after the date the award is made.
(3) Waivers
(A) In general
The Secretary or the Administrator of General Services may waive the application of paragraph (1) or (2) if the Secretary or Administrator determines that the return on investment from the purchase of a solid-state-light package described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b), respectively, is cost prohibitive.
(B) Report of waiver
If the Secretary or Administrator waives the application of paragraph (1) or (2), the Secretary or Administrator, respectively, shall submit to Congress an annual report that describes the waiver and provides a detailed justification for the waiver.
(i) Report
Not later than 2 years after December 19, 2007, and annually thereafter, the Administrator of General Services shall submit to the Energy Information Agency a report describing the quantity, type, and cost of each lighting product purchased by the Federal Government.
(j) Bright Tomorrow Lighting Award Fund
(1) Establishment
There is established in the United States Treasury a Bright Tomorrow Lighting permanent fund without fiscal year limitation to award prizes under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (b).
(2) Sources of funding
The fund established under paragraph (1) shall accept—
(A) fiscal year appropriations; and
(B) private contributions authorized under subsection (c).
(k) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of
§17244. Renewable Energy Innovation Manufacturing Partnership
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall carry out a program, to be known as the Renewable Energy Innovation Manufacturing Partnership Program (referred to in this section as the "Program"), to make assistance awards to eligible entities for use in carrying out research, development, and demonstration relating to the manufacturing of renewable energy technologies.
(b) Solicitation
To carry out the Program, the Secretary shall annually conduct a competitive solicitation for assistance awards for an eligible project described in subsection (e).
(c) Program purposes
The purposes of the Program are—
(1) to develop, or aid in the development of, advanced manufacturing processes, materials, and infrastructure;
(2) to increase the domestic production of renewable energy technology and components; and
(3) to better coordinate Federal, State, and private resources to meet regional and national renewable energy goals through advanced manufacturing partnerships.
(d) Eligible entities
An entity shall be eligible to receive an assistance award under the Program to carry out an eligible project described in subsection (e) if the entity is composed of—
(1) 1 or more public or private nonprofit institutions or national laboratories engaged in research, development, demonstration, or technology transfer, that would participate substantially in the project; and
(2) 1 or more private entities engaged in the manufacturing or development of renewable energy system components (including solar energy, wind energy, biomass, geothermal energy, energy storage, or fuel cells).
(e) Eligible projects
An eligible entity may use an assistance award provided under this section to carry out a project relating to—
(1) the conduct of studies of market opportunities for component manufacturing of renewable energy systems;
(2) the conduct of multiyear applied research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects for advanced manufacturing processes, materials, and infrastructure for renewable energy systems; and
(3) other similar ventures, as approved by the Secretary, that promote advanced manufacturing of renewable technologies.
(f) Criteria and guidelines
The Secretary shall establish criteria and guidelines for the submission, evaluation, and funding of proposed projects under the Program.
(g) Cost sharing
(h) Disclosure
The Secretary may, for a period of up to 5 years after an award is granted under this section, exempt from mandatory disclosure under
(i) Sense of the Congress
It is the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should ensure that small businesses engaged in renewable manufacturing be given priority consideration for the assistance awards provided under this section.
(j) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated out of funds already authorized to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013, to remain available until expended.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of