Utility Scale Storage

Scientists in Belgium have designed a solar-powered electrolyzer that uses standard-sized, large area shingled silicon PV for water splitting. The system is reportedly able to achieve solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 10% at electrolyzer current densities of approximately 60 mA cm−2.

Cadenza Innovation produces its SuperCell with funding assistance from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The battery technology prevents the problem of “thermal runaway events.”

With 25 GW of solar now under development, on top of 107 GW of existing capacity on the US grid, the energy transition is in full swing.

Shell has provided Australian startup MGA Thermal with “game-changer” funding to accelerate the completion of a commercial-scale pilot storage plant.

Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is essential for decarbonizing the grid but gigawatt-hour scale systems continue to be tricky for companies with big ideas. Here are some of the latest innovations across a flourishing array of new – and old – ideas.

South Korean researchers have revealed a scalable production method for platinum-based fuel cell catalysts, while Germany moved forward on its hydrogen strategy by signing agreements with Australia, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

US-based Sakuu has announced that it has successfully 3D printed solid-state batteries in custom shapes and sizes at its battery pilot line facility in Silicon Valley, California.

Britain’s T-1 Capacity Auction for delivery in the 2023-24 period saw battery energy storage technology emerge as the third-biggest winner in terms of secured contracts, following gas and nuclear. Batteries accounted for more than a half of the new build capacity.

Tony Danker, head of the Confederation of British Industry, in January warned the UK is at risk of squandering the vast economic opportunities available to nations investing in the energy transition. Christophe Williams, CEO of solar thermal company Naked Energy agrees, and here spells out some of the urgent actions Rishi Sunak’s government must take to place solar thermal – and PV – at the heart of a green revolution.

Australian scientists have developed a new way to make hydrogen directly from seawater. They have described the technology as a critical step to a truly viable green hydrogen industry.