Energy Storage

Kaco developed its Blueplanet gridsave 50.0 TL3-S battery inverter based on experience gained from storage projects in Europe. In pv magazine‘s recent webinar in partnership with Kaco, a number of questions were raised about the device, which the experts now answer.

The installation of an 18 MW battery storage system shows the region’s pioneering work in integrating innovative storage systems to its electricity grid.

The renewable energy developer claims that more opportunities in the UK storage business will be created by the balancing mechanism and growing demand for storage retrofits.

Interview: Saltwater technology is similar to that of lead battery storage, but only natural materials are used. Helmut Mayer, Managing Director of Blue Sky Energy, explains how this compares to lithium-ion, which currently dominates the residential PV sector.

The 2018 Ecosummit Berlin, a EU cleantech startup platform, focussed on smart green energy and mobility. Of the 99 speakers, 69 were startups presenting innovative solutions to a changing energy economy, catering to the needs of end-customers, developers and utilities alike.

A new report published by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers outlines the potential for power to gas as a technology to support the addition of renewable energy capacity to the grid, and as a storage alternative with advantages over much talked about lithium-ion technology.

Puerto Rico’s Financial Oversight and Management Board (JSF) is examining a series of infrastructure projects that, if approved, would be fast-tracked for development and construction. Some of the PV arrays included in the infrastructure round already have PPAs signed with local utility PREPA. Two include co-located storage.

The evolving outlook for project finance, as well as the gradual maturation of technologies, such as blockchain, present new challenges and opportunities for renewables, EY says in its latest Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI) report. Uncertainty in the sector continues to drive a “relentless focus on cost” to soften the impact of protectionism, subsidy cuts and rising interest rates throughout the world, it adds.

Swiss storage system provider releases financial report for 2017 showing losses, due to growth capital delay. Project from 2017 pipeline will be finished in 2018, however, promising a strong year ahead. Overall, it expects 100 MWh of operational storage projects this year.

SolarEdge has announced the launch of a new virtual power plant solution promising grid services and reducing the necessity for costly grid infrastructure investments.