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.
Stem closes $80 million funding round
The energy storage company will receive the money from three different investors, including the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.
VW-owned Scania to invest €10m in Northvolt’s battery cell manufacturing fab
The truck maker is to partner with Northvolt on developing and commercializing battery cells for use in heavy commercial vehicles.
SMA, Danfoss create JV to deliver solar, storage and energy management to supermarkets
The German and Danish technology firms will utilize their various expertise and platforms to help supermarket operators increase their renewable energy footprint and optimize their energy usage.
GTM Research predicts 11% reduction in the US solar market from tariffs
President Trump’s tariff decision was not the worst-case scenario for the U.S. market, but GTM Research says it will still have effects, particularly in marginal and emerging regional markets.
Battery, smart grid and efficiency companies raise $1.5 bn in VC funding in 2017 – Mercom
In 2017, battery storage, smart grid and energy efficiency companies saw a YoY increase in venture capital funding, garnering a combined US$1.5 billion, up from the $1.3 billion raised in 2016, finds the latest Mercom Capital report.
UK’s Faraday Institution announces further £42m for storage research
Backed by the U.K. government, the Faraday Institution’s latest program sees four consortia receive funding to conduct application-inspired research into addressing challenges in electric vehicle batteries.
Japan: Disappointing first auction; plans for 200 GW solar by 2050
Japan’s first solar PV auction has reaped disappointing results, with just 41 MW set to be developed. Under the revised FIT, meanwhile, 27.7 GW were cancelled. Despite this, JPEA is aiming for 200 GW of solar PV installs by 2050. Overall, cumulative installed capacity has reached over 40 GW. There are still many plans afoot for large-scale projects, although it is the rooftop sector, which holds the most promise.
AES, Siemens launch energy storage platform Fluence, confirm involvement in 100 MW LA storage project
Collaboration between the U.S. energy firm and the German power electronics giant officially licensed on January 1, as details of a massive 100 MW/400 MWh lithium-ion battery storage project in California were announced.
German Development Bank granted incentives to 6,900 residential solar-plus-storage systems in 2017
Approved incentive applications reached a volume of approximately €123 million. At the turn of the year, however, the rebate granted by the German Government dropped from 13% to 10%.
