Argonne signs energy storage research MOU with Japan

Argonne and NEDO, a Japanese government organization for energy technology R&D, have signed an MOU for cooperative information exchange in the field of energy storage technology. The partnership, including workshops and research information exchanges, is expected to contribute to the diversification of energy supply and assist in the prevention of global warming.

Before electrically-powered vehicles can have a significant impact on the light-duty transportation market, the still-evolving technology that keeps their motors running—batteries—has to improve. By working to develop better energy storage technologies, researchers can focus on critical breakthroughs to replace gasoline-dependent engines with safer, cleaner electric technology.

The MOU will open channels of communication and collaboration between researchers in Japan and the United States, facilitating the acceleration of electrochemical energy storage research and the needed technological breakthroughs, while keeping both countries at the forefront of clean energy development. Primary goals from the collaboration include establishing global standards and the development of pre-competitive next-generation electrochemical energy storage technologies.

The Japanese government established the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) in 1980. Although its original mission was simply to develop new oil-alternative energy technologies, NEDO has since expanded its programs to include energy conservation and environmental technology R&D and industry outreach. Previously, in November 2009, Japan and the United States affirmed their intent to expand cooperative activities related to clean energy technologies, and a cooperative framework at the national level is now being established.