Energy Storage Research Center Opens in Birmingham
Energy officials from around the country gathered Tuesday on the campus of Southern Research (SR), a Birmingham nonprofit specializing in science and technology, to celebrate the opening of the state’s first Energy Storage Research Center.
In his opening remarks, Corey Tyree, SR’s senior director of energy and environment, told the crowd of company executives, engineers and scientists that the center represents a new era.
“For 100 years in the electricity industry, the model was basically ‘make, move, sell electricity,’” Tyree said. “With the advent of energy storage, you can ‘make, move, hold, then sell electricity.’ Seems like not a big deal. It’s a big deal. It’s a really big deal.”
He said energy storage is the “key to unlocking” the potential of renewable power such as wind and solar. Being able to store that energy ensures it will be available to meet customer demand, even on a cloudy day with no breeze.
The research center will enable technology vendors and users to test out large-scale energy storage applications in an effort to improve the process and make it more cost-effective. The facility contains big, expensive batteries that can connect to Birmingham’s power grid, which, according to Tyree, is key for research.
“This center’s about doing due diligence and making sure this technology works before it ends up on the real grid,” he said.
Tyree said the facility, which cost several million dollars, is a collaborative effort, funded by groups including Southern Company, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Electric Power Research Institute and the state of Alabama.
‘Sinners’ gives Michael B. Jordan two roles of a lifetime
In Sinners, Ryan Coogler creates a bold original vision, and Michael B. Jordan is at the top of his game.
Syria hopes tourists will return to Palmyra, a World Heritage Site ravaged by war
Before 2015, Palmyra was considered one of the world's most intact ancient Roman sites. ISIS blew up many key monuments of this storied Silk Road city. Syrians hope restoration can begin now.
Tiny Desk Radio brings you the behind-the-scenes stories of your favorite concerts
We're bringing the best of Tiny Desk to the airwaves, only on public radio.
China’s Xi Jinping arrives in Cambodia to wrap up 3-nation Southeast Asia tour
The visit, Xi's first since 2016, will conclude a three-nation Southeast Asian tour that included stops in Vietnam and Malaysia.
Texas may ban THC products just a few years after legalization started a big business
The Texas Legislature is considering a ban on consumable THC products as some lawmakers say the booming business has caused health problems and allowed sales to minors.
Trump calls for Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s ‘termination’ in blistering attack
President Trump lashed out at Powell for not acting sooner to lower interest rates. The president's own tariffs make that more difficult, by putting upward pressure on prices.
