Gravity storage system based on linear electric machines
South African scientists have designed a novel gravity energy storage system that uses linear electric motors to vertically move multiple solid masses to store and discharge electrical energy. They say its levelized cost of storage (LCOS) is $137.20/MWh, but with efficiency improvements, it could drop to about $100/MWh
Contract awarded for New Zealand’s first big battery
New Zealand is set to get its first big battery by 2024, as Meridian Energy has chosen Saft to build the 100 MW / 200 MWh Ruakaka battery energy storage system on the country’s North Island.
Romania to expedite permitting process for solar on agricultural land
The Romanian president has passed a new law to shorten the permitting process for solar projects built on less than 50 hectares of agricultural land.
Slovenia launches rebate scheme for rooftop PV tied to storage, heat pumps
Slovenia’s new rebate program for rooftop solar has a budget of €10 million ($10.7 million).
Schneider Electric releases residential solution with battery, inverter, EV charger
Schneider Electric’s new Schneider Home platform includes a smartphone app to monitor and allocate energy resources.
Myanmar switches on 20 MW of solar
Green Power Energy has successfully commissioned the Taung Daw Gwin solar project in Myit Thar, Myanmar. Its Gold Energy subsidiary won a bid to develop the 20 MW array in a utility-scale PV tender.
Sun-tracking vs. fixed vehicle-integrated PV
European researchers have evaluated the electricity generation, levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and payback period of vehicle-integrated PV in EVs.
Spain introduces rebates for renewables-linked storage
The Spanish authorities have allocated €150 million ($161 million) to a new energy storage program.
Neoen starts building fifth big battery in Australia
Neoen is now moving forward with its fifth grid-scale battery in Australia, as its contractors have started work on the 200 MW/400 MWh Blyth Battery storage system in South Australia.
Novel database on existing, planned renewables, solar projects in Africa
A new database developed by researchers in Germany includes 1,074 hydropower projects, 1,128 solar plants, and 276 wind power assets, along with geographic coordinates, construction statuses, and capacities for each of them.
