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.
NREL scientists observe perovskite degradation at nano-scale
A team from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a novel microscopic technique, which enables them to observe degradation in perovskite materials at the nano-scale and pinpoint key areas to improve the stability and durability of the material.
California sets rules for multiple uses of energy storage
A ruling by CPUC opens the door for “stacking” the services that batteries and other forms of energy storage can provide.
SEIA attempts to get ahead of locational value
A new white paper by the solar trade group proposed principles to guide the compensation for locational value of energy.
Seasonal patterns show a need for more solar in the U.S. electricity mix
An abundance of hydroelectric power and wind is pushing up renewable energy in the spring months, but there is a need for more power during the summer peak, as well as issues with the geographic location of resources.
California regulators choose clean energy and storage over existing gas plants
CPUC has turned down a request by Calpine for lucrative contracts for three gas plants and ordered PG&E to hold a solicitation for energy storage and/or “preferred resources” instead.
UMass scientists boost polymer-chain storage efficiency
A team from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass) have developed a polymer based energy storage system, which releases energy on demand as heat. The scientists say that their system utilizes a polymer chain ‘organized like a string of Christmas lights’ and can achieve more than double the storage density of previous polymer based systems.
Renewables rise to meet 38% of demand on California’s grid in 2017 (w/ chart)
The latest data shows renewables surging in California, as the state’s grid operator moves to become its own reliability coordinator
From the editor: Renewable energy and information pollution
A recent article in Bloomberg View illustrates clearly the mythology and misinformation that abounds regarding renewable energy, which in many cases is spread by the media.
IEA explores paths to PV and wind integration
The International Energy Agency has released a manual for policy makers on the issues involved in the large scale integration of solar and wind power into power grids.
