Automated demand response key to intermittent renewables
Automated demand response, or AutoDR could cost-effectively help combat intermittent renewable energy supply, particularly in light of the current high costs of grid-connected storage batteries.
Australia: $40.7 million grant secured for PV research
Hailed as “historic”, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the University of Queensland have been awarded a AU$40.7 million grant to establish two photovoltaic research programs.
US injects $43 million into energy storage research
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has made US$43 million worth of funding available to 19 energy storage research projects.
Australia: Infigen to build PV integrated energy storage demonstration project
Infigen has begun work on a one MW photovoltaic and energy storage plant in Australias New South Wales. A first for both the company and the country, the demonstration project aims to pave the way for future utility-scale projects.
US: PV installers emerge as "favorable" investment area
Solar M&A activity in the U.S. has tailed off this year compared to 2011, according to the latest figures. Despite this, photovoltaic project installers have reportedly emerged as a favorable investment area. Furthermore, energy storage M&A activity is said to have enjoyed strong growth.
$2 million grant awarded to develop PV-integrated storage solutions
Satcon Technology Corporation, A123 Systems, Renewable Energy Services, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) have been awarded US$2 million by the California Energy Commission to work on the development of storage technologies that will help reduce renewable energy power intermittency.
Hanwha SolarOne unveils new storage partnership
Korea-based photovoltaic module manufacturer, Hanwha SolarOne Co. Ltd has announced a new partnership with U.S. storage system company, Silent Power.
Grid storage costs to decrease
Lux Research has released a forecast that expects lithium-ion and molten-salt battery costs to fall to US$500/kWh by 2022. This is predicted to bring down the high capital cost of emerging grid storage technologies. However, it is still double the target of US$250/kWh.
Germany finally compromises on PV subsidies
Germanys federal and state governments have agreed to a phasing out of funding and cuts in the countrys photovoltaic feed-in tariffs. It is expected that the Bundestag and Bundesrat will discuss and make a decision on the compromise this week.
Trina and E3/DC announce storage collaboration
Chinas Trina Solar Limited and Germany-based E3/DC have said they will collaborate on next generation energy storage solutions.
