AEMO’s VPP integration trial, decentralized energy exchange secure funding
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will underpin two innovative distributed energy projects – a trial to integrate a virtual power plant into the National Energy Market and a digital marketplace for grid services provided by rooftop solar arrays, batteries and EVs owned by Australian homes and businesses.
Santos to power oil well operations with solar+storage
In what is being billed as Australia’s first off-grid, 100% renewable energy project in the oil and gas sector, Santos will power 56 crude oil pumps into solar and battery storage. The project has won a grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
Sodium-ion batteries get commercial rollout as li-ion alternative
Sydney Water’s Bondi sewage pumping station will soon be storing solar energy through the use of 30 kWh of sodium-ion batteries, a cheaper alternative to the traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Germany reaches milestone of 100,000 installed storage systems
According to the German solar trade association, BSW-Solar the number of energy storage systems in Germany is set to double in two years. Already, politicians recognize the increasing relevance storage has, in light of the progressing energy transition.
Solar and battery hydrogen innovation hub to be built in Western Australia
Canadian-owned gas network operator ATCO is developing a micro grid at its Jandakot facility, which will use solar power to produce hydrogen fuel. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has committed $1.5 million to the project.
Panasonic, Tesla reveal plan to produce lithium batteries in China
Tesla’s batteries may soon be Made in China. The announcement was made by Panasonic CEO Kazuhiro Tsuga during a conference accompanying the company’s 2018 fiscal-year results last Friday.
Wind giant Vestas taps solar, storage markets for hybridization drive
The Danish wind turbine producer to explore further development of hybrid renewable energy plants that combine wind, solar and battery storage at single location as wind growth rates ease in face of market consolidation.
Battery storage challenges: Materials, longevity and project management
An academic event held last week in the U.K. presenting the results of two major research projects on energy storage provided an update on the current and future directions of battery storage technology and development.
China the global leader in 2017 clean energy investment, at over $44 bn
China was the global leader in 2017 clean energy investment, says a new report. On the solar front, the country accounts for 60% of all cell production; and will continue to lead installation developments for at least the next five years. New 2020 targets are expected to be set. In the battery arena, Chinese companies are also set to dominate.
EU launches battery alliance
“Airbus for batteries”-style alliance announced this week in Brussels aims to expedite European battery cell manufacturing and strengthen continent’s storage value chain in face of Asian and U.S. competition.
