Key takeaways from RE-Source 2025: Complexity grows in PPA market
After a record year, the European power purchase agreement (PPA) market has declined sharply. At an industry gathering this week in Amsterdam, participants highlighted rising PPA complexity and potential solutions, including how to handle negative prices in solar PPAs and the move toward hybrid PPAs with battery storage.
Spanish start-up Bihar Batteries to commercialize sodium-ion batteries in 2026
The company has produced its first sodium-ion battery prototype and, in collaboration with Spanish research institute CIC energiGUNE, developed sodium-ion cell prototypes that have shown “very promising results.”
Alfa Laval launches once-through steam generator for thermal storage
The Swedish company stated that its new product was designed for use in compact, molten salt energy storage applications, eventually in combination with PV power. In its standard configuration, it can reportedly withstand temperatures up to 400 C and pressures up to 60 bar.
Japan’s NGK discontinues manufacturing of sodium-sulfur batteries
The manufacturer cites rising material costs, heightened competition from lithium-ion batteries, and the slow uptake of long-duration storage technologies as the reasons for the decision.
Field trial shows third-party control of residential heat pumps can provide grid flexibility
UK researchers find that smart, centrally controlled air-source heat pumps could slash peak electricity demand. The technology not only keeps homes comfortable but also boosts grid flexibility and cuts emissions.
AlphaESS launches all-in-one storage systems for C&I applications
Chinese energy storage manufacturer AlphaESS says its new Storion-H30-G3 and Storion-H50-G3 systems combine full integration, higher efficiency, and modular scalability to improve project safety and returns for commercial and industrial (C&I) users.
ZincFive unveils BC 2 AI battery system for both AI and traditional IT loads
The new nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery cabinet provides support for high-intensity AI pulses while also offering traditional IT backup within a compact footprint.
Japanese utility uses Sharp PV-linked home batteries for grid balancing
Japanese utility Tohoku Electric Power is using Sharp’s residential batteries and AI-powered energy management systems to balance grid demand and optimize household solar energy use. Customers in the program can earn points redeemable for local products.
Four-year testing finds heat pumps run efficiently even in older homes
Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE have tested various types of heat pumps in existing buildings across Germany over four years, finding that the systems achieved seasonal performance factors between 2.6 and 5.4. The team also showed that PV-driven heat pumps can boost self-consumption rates, particularly when paired with battery storage.
Florida utility on pace to reach 93 GW solar, 50 GW storage by 2045
While utilities in neighboring states are “dabbling” with solar, Florida Power & Light is combining solar and storage as a “workhorse” technology, said a nonprofit executive.
