Tim Sylvia
PG&E, Tesla start building world’s biggest battery
The 182.5 MW/730 MWh Moss Landing energy storage system could eventually be expanded to 1.1 GWh – putting it on track to overshadow Tesla’s massive Hornsdale project in Australia.
Renewables outpace nuclear and coal in the US
The latest edition of the US Energy Information Administration’s Electric Power Monthly report shows renewables generated more electricity through May 31 than coal and nuclear.
US startup unveils solid-state AC/DC enabler, AC switch
Amber Solutions has developed a solid-state AC/DC enabler, as well as an AC switch, with the aim of “disrupting the global electrical and powered products industries.” It claims the new tech provides greater reliability and control than ever before.
US installed more microgrids in 2019 than ever before
Most microgrid projects still feature distributed fossil fuel generation, but the share of renewable microgrids is rising, driven by high-volume adopters such as the Red Cross.
Tesla solar business hits new lows in revenue, deployment
It was a series of firsts, including a strong full year and Megapack turning a profit, that factored into CEO Elon Musk explaining that he has “never been more optimistic or excited about the future of Tesla.” Austin, Texas, has been confirmed as the site of the next Gigafactory.
New York launches largest renewable solicitation in US history
4 GW of offshore wind and land-based renewables are set to come to the Empire State, as governor Andrew Cuomo looks to achieve the state’s renewable energy mandates while also kickstarting a post-Covid economy.
LF Energy and the pursuit of a modularized grid
LF Energy has launched its Digital Substation Automation Systems initiative, in hopes of creating a more modular, flexible and resilient grid. It aims to make interoperable substations that are both hardware and software agnostic.
US installed more solar in Q1 2020 than ever before
The record-setting quarter was driven by nearly 2 GW of utility-scale solar, supplemented by another 1.6 GW of residential capacity. And while the pandemic will slow the industry in 2020, five-year projections are strong, especially for Texas.
What’s going on in the world of thermal energy storage?
Can this technology be commercialized? A partnership between Siemens Energy and EnergyNest to develop thermal storage solutions together is the latest development in an industry with lots of potential, but little practical application thus far.
Ikea invests more in solar by the day
The Swedish furniture giant has said it will turn one of its Australian superstores into its first 100% renewables-powered solar+storage retail project. Australia is also home to the company’s first expansion of its retail solar offering, Solstråle.
