Pilot project for flywheel storage underway in Hawaii
Utility Hawaiian Electric has announced the start of operations of a pilot project featuring flywheel energy storage technology provided by Amber Kinetics. The project will test the technology’s capability of supporting the grid and allowing further integration of renewable generation.
UPDATED: World’s largest batteries hiding in Colorado bids
Xcel Energy’s December 2017 solicitation results contain bids for energy storage projects at least as large as the current world’s largest under construction, and far larger than the world’s biggest running batteries.
Berkeley Lab scientists confirm century-old theory of high performance batteries
Researchers in the U.S. have confirmed the existence of a novel state of the element manganese, first proposed in a journal dating from 1928, which could allow for the development of low-cost, high performance batteries for grid level and other energy storage applications.
PetersenDean acquires Hawaiian solar, battery installer
The national solar installer has acquired Haleakala Solar, and plans to hire 1,000 new employees in Hawaii over the next two years.
Tesla to sell 25 MW battery as part of Salt River Project settlement
Judge ruled SRP acted illegally against solar power customers as a monopoly power by changing rates in 2015. Settlement does not end customer charge.
Engie expands in US renewables with SoCore acquisition
The French power company’s North American division will swoop up 150 MW of solar assets either in operation or under construction in the purchase.
U.S. energy storage begins to take off
Despite a lackluster Q4, GTM Research predicts that the U.S. energy storage market is going to boom in 2018, driven by both policy support and falling prices.
IRS rules energy storage upgrade to solar tax credit eligible
In a Private Letter Ruling published on Friday, the IRS said that a battery added to a solar pv system a full year after solar installation was completed is eligible for a the full 30% tax credit – as long as it is 100% powered by solar.
HECO seeks 300MW of renewable energy in new RFP
Utilities on three Hawaiian islands have put out a request for proposals to build wind and solar projects, with an option of energy storage. The goal is to maximize ITC value before it drops down in 2022.
12 hours of energy storage enough for U.S. to run on 80% solar+wind
Scientists in California have modeled a solar-heavy/wind power electricity grid, without nationwide HVDC, that could reliably deliver 80% of U.S. electricity needs. 100% of needs would require 3 weeks of energy storage.
