Energy storage investment to approach $10bn in 2025
Analyst IHS Markit has predicted storage will rebound this year following its first year-on-year decline in 2019. The technology is being rolled out at pace despite Covid-19 with state-level policies set to keep the US the global capital for the next five years.
Energy storage and network reinforcement
As renewables penetration increases, transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure will require significant reinforcement. Battery storage is becoming a key alternative to traditional ways of reinforcing network infrastructure, because it is fast to deploy, can provide multiple services, and often comes at a lower capital cost. IHS Markit analyst Oliver Forsyth delves into the additional value streams that strengthen the case for grid-connected batteries.
Solar, wind, storage investment collapses as risks on developers grow
A new analysis by the Clean Energy Council reveals a dramatic fall in the number of large-scale renewable energy projects committed in the second quarter of 2020, with just three projects representing 410 MW of new capacity reaching financial close – the lowest level since 2017.
EnergyAustralia takes full ownership of Melbourne-based solar and LED lighting company
One of Australia’s three major electricity retailers has moved to acquire 100% of Echo Group in a bid to expand its offering of products for C&I and residential energy consumers that save them money and carbon emissions.
Batteries to help Alice Springs secure its renewable energy future
An ARENA-backed project will focus on addressing barriers to further renewable energy penetration in the Alice Springs local electricity network.
AGL unveils multi-site gigawatt-scale battery storage plan
In addition to 330 MW of batteries already announced, Australia’s biggest power producer has unveiled a plan for another 850 MW of grid-scale storage, the bulk of which will be installed alongside its Liddell coal-fired power plant.
“Capacity deferral is the primary source of storage value”
Big batteries derive most their value from replacing gas peaker plants and averting the installation of excessive amounts of transmission and generation infrastructure. However, batteries cannot replace all gas plants, MIT researchers found. From a holistic economics perspective, there is a certain share of storage that is considered cost-efficient. With battery costs declining, that share is constantly increasing.
Plan to deploy 1,500 MW/6,000 MWh storage project gets approval in the US
A permit to expand Vistra’s natural gas-fired Moss Landing generation station to 1,500 MW/6,000 MWh has been approved, setting the stage for the world to see gigawatt-scale battery energy storage for the first time ever.
New England big battery awarded $12.5 million state government grant
The 50 MWh battery will be colocated with stage 1 of the UPC/AC Renewables’ 720 MW New England Solar Farm.
Broken Hill to replace gas turbines with massive microgrid for back-up supply
The NSW country town of Broken Hill is set to host one of the world’s largest microgrids supplied by solar, wind and grid-scale storage.
