§17387 Integrated Energy Systems

Summary

The Secretary must set up a research, development, and demonstration program within 180 days after December 27, 2020 to make cost‑effective "integrated energy systems." The work must include making computer models to design and run different system setups, studying how to connect and operate those systems with the electric grid, creating systems for uses like building and factory heat, electricity storage tied to generation, desalination, making liquid and gas fuels, and making chemicals such as ammonia and ethylene, building testing facilities, and researching how to combine technologies like nuclear power, renewables, storage, and carbon capture. Within 1 year after December 27, 2020 the Secretary must send a strategic plan to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The plan must analyze grid benefits, different grid roles, R&D goals, policy and market barriers, technical and economic feasibility, and include a 10‑year roadmap. The plan must be updated at least every 3 years. The Secretary must follow the plan, work across DOE offices (including EERE, Nuclear Energy, and Fossil Energy), use existing programs, and focus on systems that move toward net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions. "Integrated energy system" means two or more co‑located or jointly run parts that generate, store, or use energy.