South Australia, Tesla partner for $800 million virtual power plant
South Australia could play host to the world’s largest deployment of residential solar+storage in the form of a virtual power plant. The scheme, announced by SA Premier Jay Weatherill on the election campaign trail, could see 250 MW of rooftop PV and 650 MWh of battery storage added to 50,000 homes over 4.5 years.
The weekend read: Taking batteries from lab to market
The conversation around battery cell production may be heated, but it is largely confined to the advanced industrial economies of China, Japan, South Korea and the U.S. Although also a high-tech hub of innovation and manufacturing expertise, Europe has been on the outside looking in for some time. But that could all be about to change as two exciting storage production programs take flight.
China’s Leoch invests in UK battery market with DBS buy-in
U.K. battery distributor, DBS and China’s Leoch create new company, DBS Leoch, to pursue new battery market opportunities. Sum of agreement undisclosed, but it is understood partnership will deliver positive sales boosts for both firms.
Tesla shows interest in Chilean lithium
The head of the Chilean Economic Development Agency (Corfo), Eduardo Bitran said that Tesla may partner with local lithium manufacturer, SQM in the construction of a factory. The Chilean government and SQM have recently settled a dispute that began in 2014.
Stem closes $80 million funding round
The energy storage company will receive the money from three different investors, including the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.
VW-owned Scania to invest €10m in Northvolt’s battery cell manufacturing fab
The truck maker is to partner with Northvolt on developing and commercializing battery cells for use in heavy commercial vehicles.
Japanese battery maker to start production in Hungary
Lithium ion (Li-ion) manufacturer, GS Yuasa has announced plans to establish a European subsidiary, and to construct a new manufacturing plant for lithium batteries in Miskolc, Hungary.
UK’s Faraday Institution announces further £42m for storage research
Backed by the U.K. government, the Faraday Institution’s latest program sees four consortia receive funding to conduct application-inspired research into addressing challenges in electric vehicle batteries.
Scientists develop porous scaffold to boost battery capacity
Researchers from Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering worked with a graphene structure, the particles of which resemble ‘crumpled paper balls’, and have created a scaffold onto which lithium atoms can be deposited.
Nissan launches home energy solution in the UK
The Japanese car manufacturing giant has announced the imminent launch of an all-in-one home energy solution, including solar panels, a battery and an energy management system.
