Boston-based Lux Research has released a new report “Finding the Perfect Partner in the Global Grid Storage Market” that pinpoints strategic valuable partnerships as the key to success for developers as the storage market continues to grow. The Americas are slated to lose grid storage market share while Europe will see an expansion.

U.S. Senators have introduced a Storage Technology for Renewable and Green Energy Act for 2013. This Act, also known as the STORAGE Act, will promote the deployment of energy storage technologies in the U.S. All storage technologies are supported by the bill.

Boston based analysts Lux Research has announced that the solar sector is on the recovery path, set to reach a worth of US$155 billion in 2018. The industry is expected to ramp up rapidly to 61.7 GW market size in 2018 after modest growth to 35 GW in 2013. This is according to the “most-likely scenario” put forth by the analysts. China is set to leapfrog to become the largest market.

PV equipment manufacturer Applied Materials has posted its second quarter results for the fiscal year 2013. The Energy and Environmental Solutions (EES) segment recorded a GAAP operating loss of US$322 million, inclusive of impairment charges of $278 million.

Chinese PV manufacturer JA Solar has repaid the US$119 million for convertible bonds that was due May 15. The company has stated that it remains commited to meeting all debt obligations to protect the interests of stakeholders.

Power generation solutions provider Siemens has released a study analyzing electrical power producing systems, especially renewable power plants, in Europe, and has identified the potential for optimization. Project siting has been cited as the key factor to reap savings; savings to the tune of €45 billion.

German PV equipment, machinery and component manufacturers had to make do with a decline of 50% in turnover in 2012 compared to the previous year. The German Engineering Foundation, VDMA, reported this downturn.

Founder of the International Battery and Energy Storage Alliance (IBESA) and Managing Director of IPVEA Bryan D. Ekus provides pv magazine with more insight into the newly formed alliance and the support needed by the storage sector.

New Jersey’s largest electricity provider Public Services and Utility Group (PSE&G) has reached an agreement with New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and other parties to increase renewable energy spending.

Berlin startup Younicos and renewable power utility company Wemag AG are setting up a 5 MW lithium-ion battery park in West Mecklenburg, Germany. Samsung SDI will be supplying the batteries with a 20-year guarantee.