development of storage devices such as batteries, flywheels, thermal storage and hydrogen for transportation vehicles. The specific benefits of energy storage are: • More efficient use of electric generating capacity, and fewer additional generating plants. • Improved operating economy of the utility system. • Fuel substitution, i.e., cheap abundant fuels (coal, or nuclear) substituted for scarce and costly fuels (oil). • Fewer new transmission and distribution facilities. • Reduced use of petroleum fuels in transportation applications. The major specific objectives of the ERDA program are: • Development of economical energy storage systems for electrical utility applications. • Development of safe and economical storage systems for use in advanced automotive propulsion systems. • Development of storage technologies which are optimum for use related to nuclear fusion, solar, wind and geothermal energy production. • Development of energy storage technologies that will be used at residential, commercial and industrial sites. • Development of methods of fuel storage that are economical, safe, and environmentally acceptable. 2. The R&D Program Strategy The range of alternative storage technologies and their technical characteristics are summarized in Exhibit 66. The table is broken down into utility and transportation applications, (with the major comparison in connection with utility applications). A relative ranking for each technology is given based on the criteria listed in the table in terms of potential for achieving the desired goals. As the recommended R&D programs progress these judgements and the rankings will change. Clearly,
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