The Better Energy Storage and Safety Act modifies federal energy storage programs under the Energy Act of 2020 to significantly expand research, testing, and safety initiatives for battery storage systems. The bill increases the number of demonstration projects from three to five through September 2030, with new projects specifically focused on safety testing and stress testing to failure for various battery chemistries. It expands research objectives to include early detection methods, preventative maintenance techniques, diagnostic tools, and fire suppression equipment, and establishes new testing and validation requirements coordinated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Laboratories, and the U.S. Fire Administration. The bill also broadens the Energy Storage Pilot Grant Program to prioritize safety improvements for operational systems and requires strategic planning on emerging safety technologies. The legislation authorizes $30 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 specifically for energy storage safety programs and activities.
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