Energy Storage

Rolls-Royce has told pv magazine that it prefers sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) for large commercial flights, but it continues to invest in hydrogen for mid-size aircraft in partnership with easyJet.

The South African Government’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announced French utility Électricité de France (EDF) will develop 257 MW of battery energy-storage systems across three projects, while South African renewable energy company Scatec Africa will develop one 103 MW project.

Australian energy giant AGL will install a nickel-hydrogen battery at its Torrens Island power station site in South Australia as it explores the potential opportunities that the technology could provide for stationary energy storage applications

ReNew has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Asian Development Bank for the financing of renewable energy, manufacturing, carbon offset, and green hydrogen projects between 2023 and 2028.

Chemicals manufacturer Sadhana Nitro Chem plans a 15-20 MW green hydrogen facility for consumption by its current manufacturing facility and expansion of the para Aminophenol plant.

Madrileña Red de Gas is testing a heating system prototype developed by Germany company Vaillant that uses exclusively green hydrogen. The 25 kW system is equivalent in shape and size to a current natural gas heating system.

BloombergNEF says it has recorded a 14% decline in battery prices this year, mainly due to cheaper raw materials, following an unprecedented rise in 2022.

While the benefits of solar adoption are evident, challenges persist. The irregularity of solar power and the lack of efficient storage technologies remain primary concerns. The upfront costs of solar installations, though decreasing, remain a barrier for many. Complex regulations and bureaucratic hurdles often deter individuals and businesses from embracing solar energy. Addressing these challenges demands a concentrated effort.

Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) is inviting bids from developers to supply 1.5 GW of firm, dispatchable power from renewable energy projects with storage systems. The successful bidders will set up RE projects with storage on a build-own-operate basis to supply RE power in a demand-following manner.  Bids can be submitted till Jan. 9, 2024.

Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd will build the 100 MW solar project at Galiveedu for self-consumption.