Battery storage

MIT researchers have created a semisolid flow battery that might be able to outperform lithium-ion and vanadium redox flow batteries. It features a new electrode made of dispersed manganese dioxide particles shot through with an electrically conductive additive, carbon black.

The battery features a modular design with pre-integrated segments that contain batteries, thermal management, and safety systems. The design offers scalability and supports up to 200 MWh storage per acre.

Under construction by Australian utility AGL, the 250 MW/250 MWh battery is the largest planned grid-forming battery in the world.

Canada-based Elcora said the transaction will enhance its mining operations and energy storage business.

Scientists in the United States pieced together data from hundreds of different sources, looking to establish the key factors that have led to consistently falling prices for lithium-ion technology since their commercialization thirty years ago. They find that public-funded research, primarily in chemistry and materials science, has made the largest contribution to cost reduction. And they offer suggestions on policy and investment to ensure that the research can continue to make these important contributions to reduction in battery costs.

English manufacturer Aceleron claims every component of its devices can be accessed for replacement, repair or recycling, with the business’ co-founder stating the aim is to ensure ‘100% of the materials in our batteries will continue to be used for as long as possible – preferably forever.’

Panasonic said the system is available in the U.S. with storage capacities of 17.1 kWh and 25.65 kWh. The product comes with a floor-standing battery cabinet and a hybrid smart inverter with 4 MPPTs.

The Netherlands storage industry association and the Dutch grid operators have proposed a faster phasing out of the net metering scheme to enable wider adoption of batteries among PV system owners. A 30% rebate on the purchase and installation of residential storage systems could help achieve the plan.

BloombergNEF says falling battery costs and “surging” renewables penetration make energy storage a “compelling flexible resource in many power systems.”

A 245 kWh mobile storage solution from Swedish manufacturer Northvolt was connected to an operational section of a PV plant under construction in Sweden to replace diesel power generators. According to the project developer, around 500 kW of the operational capacity of the solar park will be enough to power the site’s operations through the battery.