- Solar Brew
- Posts
- December 1 | Energy Storage Records
December 1 | Energy Storage Records
Solar Brew: Your Energy Joe!
Kenzo Repole
November 30, 2024
CSP Headlines
(7 Minute Read)
India has allocated 50% of its 2024 renewable energy tender to CSP, leveraging its ability to complement PV and wind for 24/7 power supply. This is a major step towards reducing coal dependency and increasing renewable capacity in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan. Advances in modular CSP units with simpler storage systems are aiding this resurgence.
Click here to read the full article.
(8 Minute Read)
With thermal storage costing up to 100 times less than lithium-ion batteries, CSP is becoming vital for grid-scale energy storage. Innovations in molten salt systems and the integration with PV make it a key player in renewable energy strategies for stabilizing grids and meeting variable demand.
Click here to read the full article.
(6 Minute Read)
China's CSP project integrates large-scale thermal storage, enabling renewable energy supply during peak demand. This facility showcases CSP’s potential in supporting decarbonization goals and demonstrates scalability and economic viability in large projects
Click here to read the full article.
PV Headlines
(5 Minute Read)
By pairing CSP's thermal storage capabilities with PV's daytime generation, hybrid systems provide reliable, cost-effective 24/7 power. This approach reduces reliance on fossil fuels and maximizes renewable penetration, especially in sun-rich regions.
Click here to read the full article.
(6 Minute Read)
The UK's new government has quickly demonstrated its commitment to renewable energy by prioritizing solar power in its clean energy agenda. Within two weeks, more than 1 GW of solar projects received approval, signaling a "rooftop revolution" under the leadership of the new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. The administration plans grants and low-interest loans for residential solar installations and mandates for solar on new constructions.
Furthermore, the reinstated Solar Taskforce will collaborate with industry leaders to refine the UK's Solar Roadmap, ensuring systematic deployment of renewable energy technologies. These steps aim to accelerate solar adoption, significantly reduce carbon emissions, and secure the nation's energy future. This strong government backing has injected momentum into the solar industry, drawing attention from global stakeholders.
Click here to read the full article.
Energy Storage
(5 Minutes Read)
Thermophotovoltaics (TPV) is a technology that converts heat into electricity using light. It has the potential to be more efficient than solar panels but hasn't been commercially viable due to low efficiency. Researchers at the University of Michigan developed TPV cells that achieved 44% efficiency, a significant improvement. This paves the way for thermal battery systems that could store solar energy more effectively. These thermal batteries could potentially be a key part of a future grid powered mostly by renewable sources like wind and solar.
Click here to read the full article.
(5 Minutes Read)
The Waratah Super Battery, Australia’s largest operational battery energy storage system (BESS), successfully prevented widespread blackouts in New South Wales (NSW) during a grid-stress event on November 27, 2024. With a capacity of 1,680 MWh, the system provided critical stabilization to the electrical grid under directives from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Designed as a "shock absorber," the battery offset demand spikes and maintained energy flow, ensuring uninterrupted power supply during the high-stress period.
The system’s activation demonstrates the crucial role of large-scale BESS in the transition to renewable energy, especially as NSW works to replace coal-fired plants with sustainable alternatives. Managed by Akaysha Energy, the Waratah Super Battery is part of broader efforts to enhance grid reliability amidst a shift to a cleaner energy mix.
Click here to read the full article.
(2 Minutes Read)
Air Energy aims to commercialize solid-state lithium-air batteries. They are working on a coin-sized test cell that has demonstrated stability over 1,000 charge and discharge cycles and could reach a record energy density of 1,200 Wh/kg. This would be nearly four times the energy density of lithium-ion batteries.
Click here to read the full article.
Market Trends
(3 Minutes Read)
In the past week, renewable energy stocks have seen a significant surge due to increased demand for power, particularly from AI data centers. Analysts at UBS have suggested that the post-election dip in renewable energy stocks presents a valuable entry point for investors. Despite concerns about potential policy changes, the growing need for power in data centers and other sectors is driving optimism in the renewable energy market. Companies like NextEra, Generac, and European firms such as Iberdrola and Siemens Energy are expected to benefit from this trend.
Click here to read the full article.
Love Solar Brew
Share Solar Brew with your friends and subscribe here.