1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Advancing Grid Storage Act of 2018 . 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Energy storage system The term energy storage system means equipment or facilities relating to the electric grid that are capable of absorbing energy, storing the energy for a period of time, and dispatching the energy, that— (A) use mechanical, electrochemical, biochemical, or thermal processes to store energy that was generated at an earlier time for use at a later time; (B) use mechanical, electrochemical, biochemical, or thermal processes to store energy generated from mechanical processes that would otherwise be wasted for delivery at a later time; or (C) store thermal energy for direct use for heating or cooling at a later time in a manner that avoids the need to use electricity at that later time, as is offered by grid-enabled water heaters. (2) Islanding The term islanding means a distributed generator or energy storage device continuing to power a location in the absence of electric power from the primary source. (3) Microgrid The term microgrid means an integrated energy system consisting of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources, including generators and energy storage devices, within clearly defined electrical boundaries that— (A) acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid; and (B) can connect and disconnect from the grid to operate in both grid-connected mode and island mode. (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Energy. 3. Energy storage research program (a) In general The Secretary shall establish a cross-cutting national program within the Department of Energy for the research of energy storage systems, components, and materials. (b) Additional requirements In establishing the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) identify and coordinate across all relevant program offices throughout the Department of Energy key areas of existing and future research with respect to a portfolio of technologies and approaches