The need for resilient systems has never been more apparent today, where supply chain disruptions and weather uncertainties are becoming increasingly common. These challenges are particularly acute in the energy sector, where the shift towards renewable sources adds a layer of complexity to our already strained systems. As we witness fluctuations in solar and wind energy outputs due to unpredictable weather patterns, it's clear that investing in robust storage solutions for renewable energy is a strategic and necessary move. Effective storage systems are our bulwark against these uncertainties, ensuring a consistent and reliable energy supply and fortifying our overall energy resilience.
We need local, alternative sources to ensure that, in times of crisis, we can fulfill our basic human needs for food, medicine, jobs, and energy. As policymakers consider additional support for renewable energy generation and storage technologies, we must work to modernize our economy and prepare for massive battery storage adoption.
"Everything works—and will continue to work—as long as we have electricity," Peggy Noonan, a former speechwriter for President Reagan, wrote in the Wall Street Journal. "It's what keeps the lights on, the oxygen flowing, the information going. Everything is the grid, the grid, the grid."
When the central power grid fails, the consequences for people, businesses, and hospitals can be severe. However, we can build a resilient and secure community-based energy infrastructure by adopting distributed energy storage and renewable generation systems at the customer site. This approach safeguards against power outages, generates employment opportunities, and plays a crucial role in reducing atmospheric CO2 emissions— tackling the root causes of climate change.
"Microgrids are especially important from the resiliency standpoint in this situation," Shashank Pande of Siemens Digital Grid told Microgrid Knowledge.
Domestically Supported Clean Energy and Key Highlights of the Inflation Reduction Act with a Focus on Battery Technology
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), championed by President Biden's administration, represents a groundbreaking shift in the United States' approach to climate change and economic revitalization. Distinct from previous stimulus packages like the $2 trillion CARES Act, this legislation significantly prioritizes clean energy, with a notable emphasis on battery technology, which is essential for the transition to a sustainable energy future. This focus brings extensive opportunities for job creation, enhances energy resiliency, and furthers environmental sustainability.
The IRA has spurred over $115 billion in manufacturing investments, with a considerable portion dedicated to advancing battery technology. This investment is particularly impactful in lower-income communities, aligning with the IRA's broader goal of fostering equitable economic growth.
By focusing on battery technology, the IRA addresses a critical component of the clean energy transition. Improved battery storage capabilities are vital for stabilizing renewable energy sources like solar and wind, making them more reliable and efficient. The emphasis on batteries is a technological leap forward and a significant job creator.
With the growing demand for advanced batteries, new manufacturing, research, and development roles are emerging, offering skilled employment opportunities.
The IRA includes targeted incentives for developing and deploying advanced battery systems. This includes tax credits for battery manufacturing and research, aiming to accelerate innovation and bring cutting-edge storage solutions to market.
The Inflation Reduction Act’s focus extends to integrating battery systems with renewable energy projects. This integration is crucial for maximizing the efficiency of solar and wind facilities, especially in low-income communities where the IRA offers additional investment tax credits.
Aligning with the Inflation Reduction Act's goal to bolster U.S. manufacturing, there are incentives for using domestically produced materials in battery production. This supports the local economy and reduces dependence on foreign supply chains.
The IRA's provision allows state, local, and tribal governments and non-profit organizations to receive tax credits, as direct payments foster a diverse and inclusive approach to battery technology development. This inclusive strategy ensures that the benefits of battery innovation are widely distributed across different communities.
Powering people with renewables & energy storage
At Briggs & Stratton, we've donated batteries to Chef José Andrés' World Central Kitchen to help power equipment at pop-up kitchens that workwith the Red Cross, Los Angeles County, and the L.A. Unified School District to distribute fresh meals to families in need.
We are committed to working with Sesame Solar to power drive-up Medical Response pop-up clinics in Michigan. In Brownsville, Texas, we're working with the Footprint Project and Global Response Management to power the Medical Response Clinic for 3,000 refugees.
Abroad, we're providing energy storage for 43 microgrids in partnership with EM-ONE Energy Solutions, which are energizing medical clinics and hospitals throughout Nigeria. In Haiti, we also power multiple medical clinics and hospitals and have developed a COVID-19 response unit.
Discover Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions, meticulously designed and engineered in California, USA. These batteries are part of a range of highly safe and efficient energy storage systems crafted to offer both backup and primary power solutions. Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions caters to diverse needs, powering homes, businesses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and communities across more than 43 countries.
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