Articles tagged with "energy-storage-systems"
All-solid-state batteries get record-high density with new method
Researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) have developed a breakthrough material technology that significantly advances the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). ASSBs replace the flammable liquid electrolytes used in conventional lithium-ion batteries with non-flammable solid electrolytes, greatly enhancing battery safety by eliminating fire and explosion risks. This innovation addresses long-standing challenges in the fabrication of oxide-based ASSBs, which use garnet-type solid electrolytes known for their high ionic conductivity and chemical stability but require costly, high-temperature sintering processes. The team overcame a major production barrier by creating a novel fabrication method that involves thinly coating solid electrolyte powders with lithium–aluminum–oxide (Li–Al–O) multifunctional compounds. This coating supplies lithium during sintering, prevents lithium evaporation, and improves particle bonding, resulting in electrolyte membranes with a record-high density exceeding 98.2%. Unlike conventional methods that discard large amounts of expensive lithium-containing "mother powder," this approach eliminates the
energyall-solid-state-batteriessolid-electrolyteslithium-ion-batteriesbattery-safetymaterials-scienceenergy-storage-systemsThe Coal-Killing Combo Of Hydropower And Energy Storage
The article discusses a recent report from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) highlighting the economic and operational benefits of integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) with hydropower facilities. This development follows the Trump administration’s 2020 declaration of an “energy emergency,” which granted preferential status to hydropower alongside fossil fuels. The PNNL report emphasizes that even short-duration lithium-ion batteries—such as a 60-megawatt system with two hours of storage—can significantly enhance hydropower’s flexibility and revenue potential by storing excess electricity during low demand periods. Hydropower plants face challenges adapting to the modern grid’s dynamic demands because their turbines, designed in the 20th century, suffer wear and tear from frequent start-stop cycles. While operators can inject compressed air to keep turbines spinning without generating power, this method is limited by downstream water conditions and risks equipment damage. The addition of battery storage offers a practical solution: turbines can continue
energyhydropowerbattery-energy-storagerenewable-energylithium-ion-batteriesenergy-storage-systemsgrid-managementFrom Sea to Shining Sea: A Recap of 2025 State Solar Policy Wins - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica provides a comprehensive overview of significant state-level solar and energy storage policy achievements in 2025, highlighting the efforts led by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) across diverse states. Illinois made notable progress with Governor J.B. Pritzker signing the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, which expands battery storage and promotes a statewide virtual power plant program. This reflects a broader national trend where states, regardless of political leaning, are adopting solar and storage solutions to meet increasing energy demands affordably and reliably. SEIA plans to intensify its advocacy in 2026 to extend the benefits of solar and storage—such as reduced electricity costs, job creation, economic growth, and a cleaner grid—to all Americans. Key state highlights include California’s legislative actions with Assembly Bill 825 and Senate Bill 302, which aim to establish a regional electricity market and align state tax codes with federal incentives to lower renewable project costs. Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order further acceler
energysolar-energybattery-storagerenewable-energy-policyclean-energyenergy-gridenergy-storage-systemsNew research could dramatically boost next-gen EV battery lifespans
Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have made a breakthrough in improving the lifespan of anode-free lithium metal batteries, which are considered a promising next-generation energy storage solution for electric vehicles, drones, and advanced systems. These batteries offer 30–50% higher energy density and simpler manufacturing compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries but have been hindered by rapid performance degradation due to interfacial instability between the electrolyte and the electrode. The KAIST team, led by Professors Jinwoo Lee and Sung Gap Im, addressed this challenge by applying an ultrathin (15 nanometers) polymer coating to the copper current collector electrode using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). This coating enhances battery durability by managing electrolyte interactions and promoting the formation of a stable, inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which prevents excessive electrolyte breakdown and uneven lithium plating. Unlike previous approaches focusing on electrolyte modifications, this electrode surface engineering method controls lithium-ion movement and electrolyte reactions without altering
energylithium-metal-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-lifespanelectrode-surface-modificationpolymer-coatingenergy-storage-systemsFord Cuts Its EV Losses, But Sets Its EV Transition Back - CleanTechnica
Ford is significantly scaling back its electric vehicle (EV) ambitions by discontinuing the F-150 Lightning and US E-Transit models, signaling a setback in its EV transition. Despite no direct mention of the Mustang Mach-E, skepticism remains about its future. Financially, Ford’s EV division has incurred massive losses—approximately $15.6 billion from 2022 through Q3 2025—translating to over $50,000 lost per EV sold (around 300,000 units). These losses exclude additional substantial write-downs and charges totaling billions more. Ford plans to shift battery production toward Energy Storage Systems (ESS), leveraging tax credits and subsidies that could improve profitability. The company aims for its Model E business to become profitable by 2029, focusing more on electrified hybrids and plug-in hybrids rather than fully battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Ford’s strategy includes relying on partnerships in Europe and China to fill EV gaps, while developing a “Universal EV” platform to compete
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-productionenergy-storage-systemsEV-marketautomotive-industryhybrid-vehiclesUS: Ford shifts focus from EV batteries to power data centers, grid
Ford is shifting part of its focus from electric vehicle (EV) battery production to large-scale energy storage systems aimed at powering data centers and grid infrastructure. The automaker plans to repurpose its Glendale, Kentucky battery plant to manufacture advanced battery energy storage systems (BESS) with capacities exceeding five megawatt-hours, targeting commercial grid customers primarily, with data centers as a secondary market. Ford intends to leverage its licensed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic cell technology and extensive manufacturing experience to bring initial production online within 18 months, aiming for 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of annual capacity by 2027. The company is investing approximately $2 billion over the next two years to scale this new business alongside its vehicle manufacturing operations. This strategic move follows a recent joint venture restructuring involving Ford, SK On, SK Battery America, and BlueOval SK, where Ford will independently own and operate the Kentucky battery plants. Additionally, Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan will produce
energybattery-storageEV-batteriesdata-centersgrid-infrastructureFordenergy-storage-systemsFord is starting a battery storage business to power data centers and the grid
Ford is launching a new battery storage business as part of its strategic shift away from producing large electric vehicles. Instead of abandoning its battery production plans, Ford will repurpose its existing Kentucky factory to manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic cells and battery energy storage system modules, using technology licensed from China’s CATL. The company aims to build 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of annual capacity and plans to start shipping these battery storage systems in 2027. Ford is investing approximately $2 billion over the next two years into this venture, targeting primarily commercial grid customers, with data centers as a secondary market and eventual plans to offer home storage products. This move positions Ford alongside other automakers like Tesla and General Motors, who have already entered the battery storage market. Tesla, for example, deploys around 10 GWh of battery storage every quarter. Ford’s decision leverages its century-long manufacturing expertise and existing technology licenses to create a natural extension of its business. The
energybattery-storageelectric-gridLFP-batteriesForddata-centersenergy-storage-systemsGrid-scale iron-sodium battery reaches field-ready milestone in US
Inlyte Energy has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing factory acceptance testing of its iron-sodium battery system near Derby, UK, marking the technology as ready for initial field deployment. This system, combining sodium metal chloride battery cells with inverters and control electronics, demonstrated an 83% round-trip efficiency including auxiliary loads, comparable to high-end lithium-ion batteries. The iron-sodium batteries are designed for grid-scale, long-duration energy storage, addressing the limitations of lithium-ion technology in multi-hour to multi-day applications by offering improved safety, lower cost, and extended operational lifetime using abundant and low-cost materials. Looking ahead, Inlyte plans to install its first energy storage systems at Southern Company’s Energy Storage Test Site in Wilsonville, Alabama, in early 2026, with ambitions to scale production within the US. The company emphasizes the importance of developing domestic, cost-effective, and safer battery technologies to meet the evolving needs of the US energy grid. Southern Company highlights the growing demand for long
energybattery-technologyiron-sodium-batterygrid-scale-energy-storagelong-duration-storagerenewable-energyenergy-storage-systemsBattery capacity decay reduced by almost 50% with cathode improvement
Researchers at Skoltech in Russia have developed an improved cathode material for lithium-ion batteries by doping it with a small amount (0.5 mole percent) of tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅). This modification significantly reduces the rate of battery capacity decay per cycle by nearly 50%, thereby enhancing battery lifespan. The breakthrough addresses a key challenge in nickel-rich layered oxide cathodes, which store more energy but degrade faster due to crack formation during repeated charging and discharging. The team created a concentration gradient structure in the cathode particles, with nickel content highest at the center and increasing manganese and cobalt stabilizers toward the surface. They developed a mathematical model accounting for particle shape and size to optimize this gradient and synthesized three types of gradient structures validated by experiments. To maintain this gradient during high-temperature lithium doping, the addition of tantalum oxide was crucial. Tantalum segregates to the surface of crystallites, forming a thin tantalum-rich layer that prevents transition metal interdiffusion and
energymaterialsbattery-technologylithium-ion-batteriescathode-improvementelectric-vehiclesenergy-storage-systems7 of the world’s most deadliest robot submarines set to change naval warfare forever
The article highlights the transformative impact of autonomous and robotic submarines on modern naval warfare, emphasizing their ability to operate longer, deeper, and with greater precision than manned vessels. These unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) are equipped with advanced sensors, autonomous navigation, and modular payload bays, allowing them to perform diverse missions such as surveillance, mine countermeasures, electronic warfare, and anti-submarine operations while minimizing human risk. The article profiles seven of the most powerful and innovative military robot submarines currently shaping naval capabilities worldwide. Among the featured UUVs, Boeing’s Orca XLUUV stands out as one of the largest and most capable, with an 85-ton weight and a 6,000-nautical-mile range, supporting a variety of mission payloads. The Snakehead LDUUV, designed for launch from submarines, emphasizes deep-water, long-endurance missions with sophisticated autonomy and modular design. The Greyshark AUV offers long-range reconnaissance with swarm capabilities
robotautonomous-underwater-vehiclesunmanned-submarinesmilitary-technologynaval-warfareunderwater-roboticsenergy-storage-systemsWorld’s largest 4.75 GWh sodium battery system set for US grid storage
US-based Peak Energy has secured a multi-year agreement with Jupiter Power to supply up to 4.75 GWh of sodium-ion battery energy storage systems (ESS) for deployment between 2027 and 2030, with an option to reserve an additional 4 GWh for 2028-2030. The initial delivery in 2027 will be approximately 720 MWh, marking the largest announced sodium-ion battery deployment to date. The total contract value may exceed $500 million, representing a significant milestone for the sodium-ion storage sector. Peak Energy’s proprietary sodium-ion (NFPP) technology features a fully passive design that eliminates the need for active cooling systems, reducing auxiliary power consumption by up to 97% and enhancing safety. This design also lowers operations and maintenance costs by removing components that require routine upkeep. The system offers nearly 30% better cell degradation performance over 20 years compared to many lithium-ion alternatives, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for future capacity augmentations. Jupiter
energybattery-storagesodium-ion-batteriesgrid-storageenergy-storage-systemsrenewable-energyutility-scale-batteriesTesla revamps the Megapack in attempt to reverse its declining storage business
Tesla has unveiled an updated version of its utility-scale battery system, the Megapack 3, aiming to revitalize its energy storage business amid recent declines. The Megapack 3 offers approximately 1 megawatt-hour more storage capacity than Tesla’s previous largest model and features an improved thermal management system that enables operation in extreme temperatures ranging from –40˚F to 140˚F. Additionally, Tesla introduced the Megablock, a configuration of four Megapack 3 units that can store 20 megawatt-hours, designed to reduce installation and construction times by 23% and up to 40%, respectively. Production of these new products will begin in the latter half of 2026 at Tesla’s Megafactory near Houston, which will have an annual capacity of up to 50 gigawatt-hours. Tesla’s energy storage segment, once the industry leader in 2024, has experienced a slowdown as competitors rapidly expand their market share. The company installed 9
energybattery-storageTesla-Megapackenergy-storage-systemsrenewable-energyutility-scale-batteriesenergy-technologyASEAN Battery Conference Proposes Unified Regional Battery Ecosystem - CleanTechnica
The 3rd ASEAN Battery Technology Conference (ABTC), held in Phuket, Thailand, brought together over 340 participants from more than 20 countries to advance a unified regional battery ecosystem and promote collaboration in clean energy. Co-hosted by the Thailand Energy Storage Technology Association (TESTA) and other leading organizations, the conference featured the launch of the ASEAN Battery Safety Network (ABSN), aimed at standardizing battery safety practices across ASEAN. ABSN, led by Dr. Sing Yang Chiam of the Singapore Battery Consortium, seeks to foster cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of battery safety science, supported by a strategic partnership with UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE). Significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance regional collaboration and innovation, including agreements to standardize swappable battery packs, develop grid-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and promote solid-state battery technology commercialization. Key partnerships involved companies such as Amphenol, Singamas Container Holdings, Zhejiang
energybattery-technologyASEANenergy-storage-systemsbattery-safetyclean-energysolid-state-batteriesNew tech tracks EV battery health 1M times/sec while it’s in use
Researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), led by Professor Fabio La Mantia, have developed a novel real-time battery monitoring technique called dynamic impedance spectroscopy. Unlike traditional impedance spectroscopy, which requires batteries to be at rest and takes up to 20 minutes for results, this new method performs up to one million measurements per second during live operation. By overlaying a multi-frequency test signal onto the charging or discharging current, the system captures detailed data on the battery’s internal electrical behavior, enabling continuous tracking of state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), and safety. The innovation includes specialized algorithms that efficiently process the massive data volume in real time without losing accuracy. This allows battery management systems to detect overheating instantly and take preventive actions such as power reduction or shutdown, eliminating reliance on slower external temperature sensors. The technology enhances electric vehicle (EV) charging by optimizing between fast and slow charging modes to reduce battery wear and overheating. Additionally,
energybattery-technologyelectric-vehiclesrenewable-energyimpedance-spectroscopyreal-time-monitoringenergy-storage-systemsAvangrid, Tyba Complete Pilot to Advance Battery Energy Storage Systems - CleanTechnica
Avangrid, Inc., a major U.S. energy company and part of the Iberdrola Group, has successfully completed a pilot project with Tyba, an energy analytics and optimization platform, aimed at advancing battery energy storage system (BESS) development. The collaboration focused on enhancing Avangrid’s ability to model BESS operations, identify optimal locations for storage assets across seven regional U.S. power markets, and improve revenue forecasting for standalone and hybrid storage projects. Key innovations included using new pricing metrics to estimate potential BESS revenue based on daily electricity price volatility, enabling Avangrid to pinpoint sites with the greatest return on investment. Throughout the pilot, Avangrid leveraged Tyba’s platform to simulate battery operations under various market conditions, including real-time, day-ahead, and ancillary services markets. This allowed fine-tuning of charging and discharging strategies and running extensive scenario analyses tailored to different grid operators. The project helped build Avangrid’s internal expertise in the evolving U.S.
energybattery-energy-storageBESSenergy-storage-systemsgrid-operatorsenergy-optimizationrenewable-energyWhy The Maersk Institute Was Right About Ship Batteries But Wrong On Price - CleanTechnica
The Maersk McKinney Møller Center’s report on battery-powered vessels provides a valuable and accurate assessment of battery-hybrid propulsion as a critical tool for decarbonizing shipping. It correctly highlights the efficiency advantages of batteries over internal combustion engines and the potential for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and local pollution through partial electrification. These insights align well with emerging market trends and the growing importance of hybrid systems in maritime transport. However, the report’s economic analysis is undermined by outdated assumptions about battery costs. The Maersk study used battery prices of $200–$300 per kWh, concluding that battery-hybrid vessels would only break even under ideal conditions or with strong policy support, especially for deep-sea and medium-range routes. In contrast, real-world auction prices for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems in China have plummeted to around $51 per kWh as of mid-2025, dramatically improving the economics of maritime battery hybrids. LFP
energybattery-technologymaritime-electrificationlithium-iron-phosphate-batteriesshipping-decarbonizationenergy-storage-systemshybrid-propulsion200MW US battery to power 200,000 homes during grid stress
The Peregrine Energy Storage Project, launched by Arevon Energy in San Diego’s Barrio Logan community, is one of the largest battery storage facilities in the region, featuring a 200 MW/400 MWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system. This $300 million project can supply power to 200,000 homes for two hours during peak demand periods, helping to stabilize California’s grid amid increasing challenges from hot summers and fluctuating renewable energy generation. The system stores excess energy generated during low-demand periods, particularly from solar and wind sources, and discharges it during peak hours to reduce blackout risks and price spikes. The use of LFP batteries enhances safety and durability due to their thermal stability and slower degradation compared to other lithium-ion chemistries, ensuring long-term reliability. The Peregrine project not only supports California’s renewable energy goals by facilitating smoother integration of intermittent green power but also contributes economically by creating over 90 local construction jobs and generating more than $28 million in property
energybattery-storagelithium-iron-phosphaterenewable-energygrid-stabilityenergy-storage-systemsclean-energy-transition