The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and Mississippi State University (MSU) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in the development of new energy storage technologies.
The laboratory said the existing lithium-ion batteries hold over twice the energy of those released in 1991 with continuous enhancements.
However, these batteries don’t meet the storage requirements when it comes energy storage potential, requiring the need for next-generation batteries.
Under the MOU, the parties will undertake joint research to build next-generation batteries for the electric grid that meet the challenges caused by tornadoes, hurricanes and other weather disasters.
New discoveries are expected to improve the load-balancing capabilities of the grid in the Southeast region.
A MOU will serve as a catalyst to set up the MSU-Argonne Institute for Science and Engineering, which is being created by MSU.
Researchers from Argonne will work with MSU faculty and scientists to discover new energy storage technology.
Argonne National Laboratory director Peter Littlewood said: "The Southeast faces some unique challenges caused by extreme weather; challenges that next-generation energy storage can address.
"Mississippi State University scientists and engineers are not only highly talented, but also possess a deep and necessary understanding of the region. I look forward to the gains we can make by bringing our combined resources to bear on next-generation energy challenges."
Image: MSU president Mark Keenum and Argonne National Laboratory director Peter Littlewood sign MOU. Photo: courtesy of US Department of Energy/Argonne National Laboratory.