ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —  As our nation moves toward a more robust and flexible electric power grid, energy storage is often cited as the solution to allow greater implementation of renewable and alternative energy sources.

Researchers from around the world are gathering in San Diego, Calif., at the Electrical Energy Storage Applications and Technologies (EESAT 2011) conference to discuss and review research and development on electrical energy storage applications and technologies, especially as they relate to the electricity grid. The conference runs Monday, Oct. 17, through Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Electricity Storage Association and Sandia National Laboratories, this biennial gathering brings together experts in electrical energy storage technologies, especially as they relate to electrical grid systems.

Sandia experts also will be speaking about the policy and legal implications of energy storage and battery technologies. Experts will also be on hand through Wednesday to discuss energy storage technologies, including electro-chemical, eletro-mechanical and power electronics, as well as the challenges and opportunities in power generation, renewable integration and electricity transmission and distribution.

Sandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. With main facilities in Albuquerque, N.M., and Livermore, Calif., Sandia has major R&D responsibilities in national security, energy and environmental technologies, and economic competitiveness.

Sandia news media contact: Stephanie Holinka, slholin@sandia.gov, 505-401-3970