Innovations in battery storage key to a solar-powered future
A few years ago, fluctuations and complex storage solutions were the main factors hampering solar growth. Today, the sector is poised to leverage technologies to make a decisive leap. With a sustainable future around the corner, it will be innovative battery storage that will drive solar PV to become more powerful and efficient than ever before. But what are the latest developments in PV and energy storage, and which innovations are poised to transform the industry?
Australian mine lays claim to ‘battery grade’ lithium production
Australia’s only lithium mine outside of Western Australia, Core Lithium’s Finniss Lithium Project, has produced “battery grade” lithium hydroxide, according to the company, with Core hoping the development will place it at the “forefront” of lithium production for the global renewable energy and EV markets.
A long-lasting aluminum battery
Scientists in the U.S. developed an aluminum battery that demonstrates better than 99.5% reversibility, and could offer “up to 10,000 error-free cycles”. By incorporating a substrate of carbon fibers into the anode design, the group gained better control over chemical bonds that form as the battery charges, leading to greatly improved performance.
GoodWe launches two residential batteries
The Chinese manufacturer has unveiled a low-voltage battery with a modular design and a high-voltage storage system which is claimed to have a one-hour, ultra-rapid charge rate.
India connects community energy storage to grid
Tata Power Delhi Distribution has installed a 150 kW/528 kWh battery energy storage system at a substation in New Delhi. The system will help the utility to manage peak load and frequency regulation, while providing 150 kW of power backup for durations of four hours.
Greece’s recovery plan to invest €10bn in clean energy
The Greek government has published its plan for a post-Covid economic recovery. The strategy aims to mobilize at least €10 billion towards the green energy sector, with the prospect of further EU loans on top.
Belgian development agency launches tender for five solar mini-grids in Mozambique
The five solar-plus-storage facilities will be located in Zambézia and Nampula provinces.
Australia may host GW-scale PV module factory
Australia’s Sun Cable is planning a factory that could produce PV modules for the world’s biggest solar+storage project – the Australia-ASEAN Power Link.
Renewables could provide Australia with grid security, study shows
New research shows that renewables plus batteries could offer Australia’s electricity grid the same energy security as coal and gas generators, prompting calls for regulatory changes.
Bright future for long-duration storage, but costs must fall
U.S. researchers have discovered that long-duration energy storage technologies could make the decarbonization of the electricity system more affordable and reliable.
