Department of Energy (DOE) today released its draft Energy Storage Strategy and Roadmap (SRM), a plan that provides strategic direction and identifies key opportunities to optimize DOE's investment in future planning of energy storage research, development . . – The U. Grid stabilization initiatives, 2. Renewable energy integration projects, 3. Research and development efforts, highlight key areas. . Flow batteries offer long-duration storage ideal for balancing renewable sources, while solid-state batteries, though still in development, promise improved safety and lifespan. Energy storage helps achieve sustainability targets by allowing more renewable energy use, reducing fossil fuel. . The opportunity is clear: with the right policy reforms, revenue mechanisms and investment frameworks, energy storage can deliver near-term reliability, long-term resilience and economic returns. In 2024, energy storage became one of the most dynamic and consequential forces shaping the U. energy. . Currently, there are 16 gigawatts of battery storage in the U., and this capacity is expected to exceed 40 GW by the end of 2025. While battery capacity continues to grow (mostly from lithium-ion batteries), there is also focus on developing longer-term options that could provide stored energy. .