INTRODUCTION
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) are seeking information from organizations that can provide long-duration energy storage (LDES) battery systems for benchmark performance testing at National Laboratory facilities. This EOI aims to identify qualified technologies and suppliers, inform technical planning, and refine subsequent acquisition steps.
BACKGROUND
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) are seeking LDES technologies that will undergo benchmark performance testing at their facilities.
Acceptable technologies include rechargeable electrochemical battery systems that:
- Can be configured into a module dimension, namely, 100-150 kWh, that can sustain 10-15 kW over ten hours. LxWxH shall not exceed 7x7x7 ft. Two such modules are sought.
- Can be configured into a full-size dimension, namely, 1000-1500 kWh, that can sustain 100-150 kW over ten hours. Anticipated dimension is one 40-ft shipping container, or two 20-ft containers. One such full-size system is sought.
- Can be operated between 0 to 50 ºC without more than 20% loss in power performance and 20% more aging (energy capacity loss) than that observed at a baseline condition of operating at 25 ºC.
- Provide an AC/DC interface that facilitates testing and logging of all system parameters,
- Will arrive at INL and ANL sites as pre-built systems, with only minor connections required prior to operation,
- has a lifetime under typical field conditions of no less than fifteen (15) years (lifetime estimate basis to be disclosed).
- It is required that data acquired from INL and ANL testing will be available for publication.
Unacceptable technologies include:
Lithium-ion, Lithium metal, Lead-acid, Redox flow batteries, any non-rechargeable system, any non-electrochemical system, any system requiring on-site fabrication, any system lacking sufficient durability in typical field conditions (<15 yr).
SCOPE OF WORK
These requirements define the minimum technical, safety, performance, and documentation expectations for acceptable long duration energy storage (LDES) systems. The system shall be capable of providing at least 10" hours” of continuous discharge at rated power and exporting both AC and DC power.
Technology & Duration
- System must deliver ≥10 hours at rated power under nominal conditions.
- Offeror must describe the non‑lithium electrochemical technology, provide technical evidence (test data, certifications, field deployments), and outline any operational constraints.
- Provide dimensions, weight, expected lifetime, and fully burdened cost for module‑scale and full‑scale systems.
Rated Power & Energy
- Modules: ≥10 kW continuous power; ≥100 kWh usable energy (10 hours).
- Bidirectional charging/discharging within stated environmental limits.
- Specify rated power/energy, overload capability, and electrical operating ranges.
- Full‑Scale System: ≥100 kW continuous power; ≥1,000 kWh usable energy (10 hours).
- Bidirectional operation; same specification requirements as modules.
AC/DC Interface & Controls
- AC interface: 3‑phase, 60 Hz, 480 VAC; include single‑line diagram and protection/connection requirements.
- DC interface: isolated export; 800–1500 VDC; specify current rating, transient behavior, grounding/isolation, converter needs.
- Preferred multi‑port inverter providing simultaneous AC/DC power.
- Provide monitoring metrics, control interfaces, SCADA protocol support (Modbus TCP/IP, DNP3, IEC 61850), and Interface Control Document (ICD).
Safety, Compliance & Hazard Mitigation
- Must meet NFPA 855, UL 9540/9540A (or equivalent), NEC/IEEE standards.
- Provide certifications or plan to obtain them.
- Submit hazard assessment (chemical, thermal, fire, explosion, environmental).
- Required safety systems: electrical protections, fire detection/notification, proper labeling/signage.
- Preferred: emergency stop, external alarm signaling/suppression.
- Include emergency response instructions.
Performance, Availability & Degradation
- At commissioning, system must deliver rated power for ≥10 hours.
- Specify initial and end‑of‑period usable capacity, round‑trip efficiency, and availability target (≥95% recommended).
- Provide maintenance intervals, corrective response times, and recommended spare parts.
- Degradation model preferred.
Documentation, Testing & Support
- Provide 70%, 90%, and final design packages for module and full-scale systems.
- Conduct Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT); submit reports.
- Provide operation/maintenance manuals and preventative maintenance plan (delivered ≥1 month before system delivery).
- Include remote monitoring and full project-period support, including troubleshooting and decommissioning support.
Schedule, Delivery & Commissioning
- Provide full project schedule (design through testing).
- Modules delivered to INL within ~3 months of final design acceptance; full‑scale system delivered to ANL within ~6 months.
- Perform onsite commissioning (inspection, energization, testing, controls configuration, safety verification).
- SAT completion preferred within 1 month of installation; system becomes available only after ANL formal acceptance.
PROCESS
This EOI is the first step in identifying interested and qualified vendors for future solicitation. Responses may be used to inform the development of a formal solicitation list. Selected vendors may be invited to participate in a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for award consideration.
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
Interested vendors must submit a single consolidated PDF or Word document containing:
- NAICS code and business size classification
- Cover letter with organization name, point of contact, and summary of proposed LDES technology
- Technology description (chemistry, architecture, evidence of ≥10‑hour discharge)
- Physical characteristics (dimensions/weight of modules and full‑scale systems; installation/shipping details
- Interfaces (AC single‑line diagram; DC specifications; supported communication protocols)
- Safety & compliance documentation (NFPA/UL/NEC/IEEE; hazard assessment; emergency response guidance; safety systems)
- Performance data (rated power/energy, round‑trip efficiency, availability target, degradation model)
- Expected lifetime of system under vendor-specified field-type conditions, and basis for lifetime estimate (data, models, etc.).
- Operations & maintenance plan (maintenance intervals, spares, monitoring capability, support)
- Project schedule (design, manufacturing, delivery, commissioning/testing milestones)
- Commercials (indicative pricing for module and full-scale systems; warranty/support terms)
Deadline for submission: September 24, 2026
Submit to: Chase.Egbert@inl.gov
Only select respondents, as determined by BEA, will receive an invitation to participate in the anticipated RFP solicitation.
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
Because information received in response to this EOI may be business sensitive or proprietary to the responding party, respondents must mark information in their responses accordingly.
