Durbin Lauds DOE Decision to Award Argonne National Laboratory A Nearly $2 Million Competitive Grant
Illinois-based lab selected for its ability to develop innovative, efficient and sustainable hydropower
[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) today commended the U.S. Department of Energy’s selection of the Lemont, Illinois-based Argonne National Laboratory to receive a $1,875,000 competitive grant. Argonne was selected for its ability to contribute to the development of innovative technologies that produce hydropower more efficiently, reduce costs, and increase sustainable hydropower generation.
“Argonne is one of our nation’s premier research and innovation labs as well as an important economic engine that provides thousands of good-paying jobs in the Chicago area,” said Durbin. “Today’s decision to award these funds will help ensure that Illinois remains among the leaders of clean energy development and could result in the development of new technologies to drive tomorrow’s green jobs.”
Argonne National Laboratory will use today’s award to model, simulate and analyze operations of an advanced pumped hydropower facility. Advanced pumped hydropower facilities allow operators to pump water into storage during periods of low electricity demand and release that water during peak demand periods, increasing power grid reliability. The project will provide a comprehensive study of the technical and market operations, economics, and contribution to power system stability of pumped storage hydropower.