Storing renewables in depleted oil and gas wells
US researchers have proposed the use of hydraulically fractured oil and gas wells to store renewable energy via compressed natural gas, with the levelized cost of storage potentially coming in at $70/MWh and $270/MWh. They said wells could also be used to store other renewable gases such as carbon dioxide or hydrogen in the future.
Solar forecasting teams win $300,000 in prizes from government competition
The Solar Energy Technology group awarded $50,000 to five groups for most accurately predicting solar generation data over a four week period, at ten geographically diverse sites across the US.
Developing better behind-the-meter energy storage
NREL researchers work on developing high energy density cells to advance stationary storage.
US consortium aims for solar PV with a 50-year lifetime
The Department of Energy’s durable materials consortium is a multi-laboratory unit that stress-tests solar modules for durability. It seeks to extend the useful life of PV.
People on the Move: NREL, CPower, Brattle Group, and more
Job moves in solar, storage, cleantech, utilities, and energy transition finance.
Cybersecurity for distributed energy and inverter-based resources
UL and NREL released a report on cybersecurity certification recommendations and are actively developing requirements to create cybersecurity certification standards.
New York town plans floating-solar demonstration project
Cohoes, New York’s $6 million floating solar project will demonstrate how municipalities can turn reservoirs into clean energy plants, while serving the needs of low-income residents.
US targets 5 million community solar households, $1 billion in savings by 2025
The National Community Solar Partnership, a Department of Energy led program, released a roadmap for the target.
NREL launches 100% renewables study for Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has 40GW of solar potential, said national lab staff in a webinar. The 100% study will begin by modeling the renewables milestones set by Puerto Rico law.
NREL continues to explore marine wave energy
While there are mechanical and cost issues that currently block widespread adoption of wave energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is exploring new ways to harness the power of the ocean’s waves.
