Energy Storage

It was almost exactly one year ago that X, Alphabet’s secretive “moonshot” development division, released the details of its energy storage concept code named Project Malta. Led by Nobel Prize–winning Stanford physics professor Robert Laughlin, the technology is said to offer vast cost and functionality improvements on lithium ion batteries and pumped hydroelectric for grid-scale […]

50 years ago, a Stanford Research Institute report titled ‘Sources, Abundance, and Fate of Gaseous Atmospheric Polluters’ was the first to officially suggest that “rising CO2 levels could bring about climatic changes like temperature increases, melting of ice caps and sea level rise.” After the most heavily polluting half century in human history we now […]

“There will be no benefit to basing home energy storage systems on automotive batteries, in the medium or long term,” a representative of Mercedes-Benz Energy said, turning the emerging market on its head. The high performance requirements of electric vehicles (EVs) mean that not only do they demand powerful batteries but they are also ready […]

Solar panels glimmer from millions of rooftops around the world, providing power more efficiently and cheaply than ever before. Energy storage systems are becoming commonplace, feeding on excess solar power then releasing it when the sun goes down or when grid electricity rates are high. Sensors and communication technology throughout the grid allows for intelligent […]

As much as 75% of CO2 emissions produced today come from buildings and transport combined. So when a new technology innovation arises which promises to promote energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy within both sectors simultaneously, it is worth exploring. Electronics giant Hitachi, along with Mitsubishi Motors and energy firm ENGIE have come […]

Blockchain may be best known for its cryptocurrency applications but it is promising to be a game-changing force in any application that requires certification and exchange. As part of our April Blockchain Series, we explore the hype surrounding the blockchain’s potential for the Internet of Things (IoT), through applications in smart buildings, cities and grids. […]

Across the pond, in the UK, energy storage is waning under the limits of its regulatory framework, and experts believe changes must be made to support this vital piece of the energy puzzle. Meanwhile, in the US, a recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) strategy seeks to “open the floodgates” for energy storage using wholesale […]