Vanadium flow and lithium-ion combine in world’s largest grid-forming hybrid storage plant in China
China brings online 300 MW/1,200 MWh grid-forming energy storage facility in Inner Mongolia, integrating lithium-ion and vanadium flow battery technologies.
German startup launches gateway to block inverter kill switches
German startup Solarsecure Tech has introduced a gateway designed to decouple PV inverters from manufacturer clouds and block unauthorized remote control commands.
SolarPower Europe issues due diligence guide for PV-BESS
SolarPower Europe has released new technical due diligence guidelines for utility-scale solar-plus-storage projects, covering risk, engineering and lifecycle standards for co-located PV and battery systems.
Malaysia restricts non-AI data centers, citing energy concerns
Malaysia’s prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said future policy will ensure domestic consumers and the electricity grid are protected amid the country’s data center expansion. This could include leveraging the ASEAN Power Grid project to cover any supply shortfalls.
Fraunhofer IEE calls for ‘grid-forming readiness’ in distribution networks
Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE (Fraunhofer IEE) says in a new position paper that large-scale battery storage systems in medium-voltage grids should be technically prepared for future grid-forming operation, aiming to bridge the gap between current regulations and potential system stability requirements.
Standardizing smart energy requirements
A systems approach is essential for smart energy standardization, ensuring interoperability, avoiding overlaps, and addressing complex interactions across the grid, appliances, and infrastructures. The IEC System Committee for Smart Energy (SyC SE) applies system-level thinking, using tools like reference architectures and roadmaps to coordinate standards, support innovation, and tackle emerging areas such as EV integration, digital twins, and zero-emission technologies.
Solar electricity during night-time
Night-time in solar PV systems averages 16 hours, requiring significant storage or alternative generation to meet demand. Pumped hydro and batteries are key, with pumped hydro offering long-duration, low-cost storage for cloudy or windless periods. Complementary strategies include wind power, load shifting, and dispatchable generation, while high solar and wind penetration reshapes grid operations and pricing.
Vattenfall to combine wind and solar with new connection concept
Vattenfall says it will connect a 7.6 MW solar plant to a 17 MW wind farm in Germany, allowing both to operate through a single grid connection point.
‘Garbage in, garbage out’ – solar industry debates reality of AI
Artificial intelligence can accelerate the planning, construction, and operation of photovoltaic systems, as shown at the recent Solar Quality Summit in Barcelona, Spain. But its effectiveness depends on data quality, as poor data, unclear responsibilities, and weak documentation can become major cost drivers.
Weidmuller USA launches PV connectors rated for 1,500 V
Weidmuller USA has launched the WM4 C PV Connectors, designed for residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar systems. The connectors support up to 1,500 V, feature crimp contacts, an anti-tampering lock, and IP67 protection.
