The term “energy storage technology” includes grid-enabled water heaters, building heating or cooling systems, electric vehicles, the production of hydrogen for transportation or industrial use, or other technologies that store energy.
The term “microgrid” means a localized grid that operates autonomously regardless of whether the grid can operate in connection with another grid.
The term “renewable energy source” has the meaning given the term in section 918c(a) of title 7.
The term “rural electric cooperative” means an electric cooperative (as defined in section 796 of title 16) that sells electric energy to persons in rural areas.
The Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement with an eligible entity to carry out subsection (b).
The Secretary may award grants to eligible entities for identifying, evaluating, designing, and demonstrating energy storage technology and microgrid projects that utilize energy from renewable energy sources.
To be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
Activities under this subsection shall be subject to the cost-sharing requirements of section 16352 of this title.
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary may enter into contracts with third-party experts, including engineering, finance, and insurance experts, to provide technical assistance to eligible entities relating to the activities described in such paragraph, or other relevant activities, as determined by the Secretary.