The Department of Energy's (DOE) funding opportunity DE-FOA-0003399, titled "Energy Storage Pilot Demonstrations," supports pilot-scale technology demonstrations for advanced energy storage systems, specifically focusing on non-lithium, long-duration storage solutions (10+ hours discharge) for stationary applications. This initiative aims to promote the commercial viability of a variety of storage technologies suitable for utility-scale deployment, focusing on generating operational datasets and techno-economic models to enhance confidence among investors, utilities, and other stakeholders in these emerging storage solutions.

With an estimated total program funding of $100 million, awards will range between $5 million and $20 million per project. DOE seeks applications that can advance a range of innovative storage technologies beyond lithium-based solutions, with the overarching goal of fostering diversity in storage technology and increasing resilience within the energy grid. By doing so, the program intends to mitigate dependence on lithium and address long-duration storage needs, critical for a cleaner, more reliable energy infrastructure.

Eligible applicants include a wide array of entities, as the opportunity is open to all applicants without restrictions. Interested entities should prepare proposals that address the real-world performance and scalability of their storage solutions, as well as the anticipated benefits for energy reliability and grid integration. Applications must be submitted by February 13, 2025, with further details available on the DOE’s OCED Exchange website