PNNL Receives 2025 BCI Innovation Award for Grid Storage Launchpad Achievements

PNNL's Groundbreaking Achievement in Energy Storage

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has been recognized with the prestigious 2025 BCI Innovation Award by the Battery Council International (BCI). This honor celebrates PNNL's exceptional contributions in establishing the Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL), a vital project advancing the landscape of energy storage technology in the United States.

A New Era of Energy Storage

Located on PNNL's Richland, Washington campus, the GSL represents a significant step forward in the research and development of energy storage solutions. The facility, with an investment of $75 million from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Electricity, embodies the collaborative spirit between public institutions and private sector enterprises.

Roger Miksad, Executive Vice President of BCI, emphasized the importance of partnerships in technological advancement. He stated, “Partnerships between the private sector and U.S. national labs are critical to supporting continuous improvement to existing technology and developing the next generation of energy storage solutions.” This sentiment reflects the cooperative framework that has propelled advancements in battery technology and the commitment to providing affordable and reliable electricity to the American public.

The Impact of GSL

Vince Sprenkle, the Director of the Grid Storage Launchpad, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “We are honored to be recognized with this award. PNNL looks forward to a continued partnership with BCI in meeting the nation's energy storage needs.” This remark underscores the role that GSL will play in addressing future energy challenges. The facility aims to create innovative battery designs and enhance energy storage capabilities essential for a sustainable energy grid.

In addition to PNNL’s award, Daramic received an Honorable Mention for their innovations in battery separator technology, underscoring the breadth of innovation displayed at the event.

Celebrating Innovation

The BCI Innovation Award has been established to recognize remarkable progress in the lead battery industry. The award honors Sally Breidegam Miksiewicz, a notable thought leader and former CEO of East Penn Manufacturing Co. The awards and recognitions serve as a reminder of the continuous innovation and dedication present in the battery manufacturing sector, fostering a circular economy that harmonizes technological advancement with environmental sustainability.

For those wanting to explore further, BCI encourages reviews of all submissions for the award, highlighting the collective effort towards robust energy solutions. Videos of each submission can be found at batterycouncil.org/about/innovation-award.

About Battery Council International

BCI is recognized as the leading association representing the global battery industry. With a commitment to advocacy and education, it supports various stakeholders, including manufacturers, recyclers, and distributors, focused on energy storage solutions. Celebrating its centenary in 2024, BCI embodies the industry's dedication to sustainability, safety, and responsible energy practices, unifying voices to promote a knowledge-driven approach across the energy storage landscape.

To learn more about this remarkable achievement by PNNL and the future of energy storage technology, keep an eye on developments in this exciting field.