Articles tagged with "grid-stability"
Nissan turns EVs into electricity plant to support Silicon Valley need
Nissan has launched a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) pilot program in partnership with ChargeScape to help address Silicon Valley’s increasing electricity demand, driven largely by the rapid growth of AI data centers. The pilot, supported by the California Energy Commission’s Demand Side Grid Support program and operating within Silicon Valley Power’s utility territory, uses energy stored in Nissan EV batteries to supply power back to the grid during peak demand periods. Fermata Energy’s bidirectional chargers manage this energy discharge, while ChargeScape coordinates with market partner Leap to optimize power delivery and support data center loads. This initiative is part of a broader California Virtual Power Plant effort aimed at integrating EVs into the power grid. The program not only aims to stabilize the strained grid but also provides financial incentives to participating EV drivers, rewarding them for contributing to grid reliability. Silicon Valley Power, a publicly owned utility known for its lower electricity rates and comprehensive infrastructure management, benefits from this innovative approach to meet surging energy needs. Key stakeholders
energyelectric-vehiclesvehicle-to-gridV2Gsmart-gridrenewable-energygrid-stabilityNew Energy Storage System Links Flywheels And Batteries
The article discusses a significant $200 million investment by Illinois-based Magnetar Finance into Torus Energy, a Utah startup innovating in energy storage by combining advanced flywheel technology with lithium-ion batteries. Flywheels, historically used for mechanical energy storage since ancient times, have recently been overshadowed by battery technologies but offer rapid response capabilities that complement the longer-duration energy storage of batteries. Torus Energy’s hybrid system leverages this synergy, providing fast-reacting power support alongside reliable energy duration, which has attracted interest from military clients and utility partners. Torus Energy’s “modular power plant” technology enables near-instantaneous response to grid signals, supporting frequency and voltage regulation, peak shaving, emergency backup, and power quality improvements with 99.9% uptime. The system’s ability to operate at the grid edge or on-site allows for distributed, decentralized energy management, enhancing grid resilience and enabling “islanding” capabilities—critical for large electricity users like data centers, especially in regions prone to
energyenergy-storageflywheel-technologylithium-ion-batteriesrenewable-energygrid-stabilityhybrid-energy-systems'Self-heat' could help batteries power up energy grid in extreme cold
An international research team led by Senior Research Scientist Mikhail Pugach has developed a non-isothermal dynamic model to explain how large-scale vanadium redox flow batteries can maintain stable operation in cold climates. These batteries, crucial for storing energy from intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar, face performance degradation in low temperatures due to increased electrolyte viscosity, which slows circulation and reduces capacity. The study reveals that under high load currents, the batteries generate heat internally—raising electrolyte temperature by over 15°C across multiple charge-discharge cycles—thereby stabilizing flow and capacity through a self-heating mechanism. The model accurately predicts key battery parameters such as voltage, ion concentrations, temperature, and power output, validated against experimental data from 9 kW and 35 kW battery systems with less than 1% error. It also evaluates two operating modes in cold conditions: a constant pump power mode, which allows natural electrolyte heating but initially reduces capacity without extra energy use, and a constant flow rate mode
energybatteriesvanadium-redox-flow-batteryenergy-storagerenewable-energygrid-stabilitycold-climate-technologyWärtsilä To Deliver 68 MW Energy Storage System In Shetland - CleanTechnica
Wärtsilä is set to deliver a 68 MW, 2-hour duration lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery energy storage system (BESS) to Zenobē in Lerwick, Shetland, marking the first UK deployment of Wärtsilä’s Quantum2 technology. The system aims to enhance energy security and reduce emissions by providing critical infrastructure services, including grid backup and restoration if the interconnector to mainland Scotland fails. This will enable the diesel-fired Lerwick Power Station to shift into standby mode, reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 2.2 million tonnes over ten years. The battery system will not be directly paired with renewable generation but supports increased renewable integration by stabilizing the grid. The project incorporates advanced grid-forming inverters, which can independently maintain grid voltage and frequency, enabling more resilient and renewable-friendly grid operation compared to traditional grid-following inverters. Wärtsilä’s GEMS Digital Energy Platform will manage the battery’s real-time performance, optimizing
energyenergy-storagebattery-technologygrid-stabilityrenewable-energy-integrationlithium-iron-phosphate-batteriessmart-gridFormer nuclear site turned into giant battery to power 100,000 homes
EnBW plans to transform part of the former Philippsburg nuclear power site in Germany into one of the country’s largest battery storage facilities, featuring a 400 MW power capacity and 800 MWh energy storage. This system is designed to stabilize the grid by storing excess renewable energy—primarily wind and solar—and supplying electricity during periods of high demand, enough to power around 100,000 households daily. The project is strategically located near a major TransnetBW substation connected to the Ultranet power line, enabling efficient absorption and redistribution of wind-generated electricity from northern to southern Germany. This initiative is part of a broader dual strategy to manage Germany’s increasing reliance on variable renewable energy. Large-scale batteries will address short-term fluctuations in supply and demand, while hydrogen-ready gas power plants will provide backup during extended periods of low renewable output, ensuring grid flexibility and reliability. Although the plan is well-defined, it awaits EnBW’s final investment decision and necessary permits, with potential operation targeted for mid-
energybattery-storagerenewable-energygrid-stabilityhydrogen-powerenergy-infrastructureGermany-energyGoogle backs CO2 battery to store excess energy from wind, solar
Google has partnered with Italian startup Energy Dome to develop and deploy a novel CO₂ Battery system designed to store excess energy generated from wind and solar power. This technology captures carbon dioxide in a sealed, dome-shaped container, compressing it into a liquid using surplus renewable energy. When electricity is needed, the liquid CO₂ is expanded back into gas, driving a turbine to generate power. The system can supply electricity for 8 to 24 hours, addressing the intermittency of renewable sources and helping stabilize power grids by providing rotational inertia similar to traditional fossil fuel plants. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, the CO₂ Battery uses common industrial materials without releasing emissions, potentially reducing costs and supply chain issues. Energy Dome has already tested a full-scale commercial plant in Italy with a capacity of 20 megawatts and 200 megawatt-hours of storage. Google aims to leverage this technology to power its data centers and AI operations, which require a steady and reliable energy supply. The partnership plans to expand projects in Italy
energyenergy-storageCO2-batteryrenewable-energyclean-energygrid-stabilityEnergy-DomeChargeScape Demand Response Program For EV Drivers On Long Island - CleanTechnica
The ChargeScape Demand Response program on Long Island enables over 6,000 BMW and Ford electric vehicle (EV) drivers to participate in a Peak Load Reduction initiative aimed at supporting grid stability during peak electricity demand periods, particularly in summer. Using ChargeScape’s AI-powered software, EV AI, which integrates real-time data from PSEG Long Island, the program optimizes the timing, duration, and intensity of home EV charging to prevent exceeding local grid capacity. Participants receive financial incentives, such as utility bill credits, for adjusting their charging behavior to reduce strain on the grid. This marks the first time PSEG Long Island’s nine-year Peak Load Reduction program includes EVs as direct contributors to grid reliability. ChargeScape is a joint venture initially formed by BMW, Honda, and Ford in 2023, with Nissan joining later and plans for additional automakers to participate. The company’s platform connects utilities, automakers, and EV drivers to facilitate demand response efforts. Executives from ChargeSc
energyelectric-vehiclesdemand-responsesmart-gridEV-charginggrid-stabilityAI-energy-managementParked EVs and water heaters could turn cities into giant batteries
New research from the Australian National University (ANU) demonstrates that electric vehicles (EVs) and household hot water systems could transform cities into large-scale distributed energy storage (DES) hubs, significantly strengthening electricity grids. By intelligently managing the timing of EV charging and water heating, residents in fully electrified cities like Canberra could collectively store and redistribute energy equivalent to owning 3–4 Tesla Powerwall batteries per person (around 46 kWh). This load shifting to off-peak hours could reduce peak electricity demand by up to 50%, easing infrastructure stress and enabling better use of rooftop solar energy to meet evening demand. The study highlights the importance of DES in supporting grid stability as cities transition to renewable energy and electrify transport and heating, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions globally. Using the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) as a case study—an area already running on 100% renewable electricity and aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045—the research employs detailed hourly and suburb-level energy
energyelectric-vehiclesdistributed-energy-storagerenewable-energygrid-stabilityenergy-managementclean-energyLG Energy Solution Opens New LFP Battery Cell Lines In Michigan To Support Energy Storage As Demand Cools From EV Manufactures - CleanTechnica
LG Energy Solution inaugurated a large lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery manufacturing plant in Holland, Michigan, in early May 2025. This $1.4 billion facility, spanning an area equivalent to 42 football fields, represents a strategic pivot from electric vehicle (EV) battery production toward energy storage systems (ESS) to address the growing demand for grid stability and renewable energy integration amid cooling EV demand. The plant currently operates two production lines with a third expected by the end of the year, employing advanced manufacturing processes including slurry mixing, foil coating, cell stacking, and quality control to produce high-performance LFP battery cells. The facility is expected to have a significant economic impact, positioning Michigan as a leading state for grid-scale battery manufacturing in the U.S. Industry leaders forecast billions in annual revenue and transformative economic growth driven by this investment. The plant aligns with supportive policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which bolster clean energy initiatives. LG Energy Solution’s focus on deploying energy storage solutions near
energyenergy-storagelithium-iron-phosphate-batteriesLG-Energy-Solutionbattery-manufacturingclean-energygrid-stability200MW 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-transitionIreland Shutters Its Last Coal-Fired Generating Station - CleanTechnica
Ireland has officially ceased coal-fired electricity generation, becoming the 15th European country to do so with the shutdown of the Moneypoint thermal power station on June 20, 2025. Built over 40 years ago to ensure energy security amid oil market instability, Moneypoint began its transition away from coal in 2017, evolving into a clean energy hub. The site’s existing high-capacity grid connection and infrastructure have been leveraged to facilitate this shift, including the addition of a 17 MW onshore wind farm and the launch of the Green Atlantic@Moneypoint project—a multi-billion euro initiative aimed at transforming the facility into one of Ireland’s largest renewable energy centers. Key developments include the 2022 completion of Ireland’s first synchronous compensator at Moneypoint, a zero-carbon technology that stabilizes grid frequency and inertia, enabling greater integration of renewable energy sources. While coal use has ended, Moneypoint will remain available to generate electricity using oil
energyrenewable-energycoal-phase-outenergy-transitionelectricity-gridwind-powergrid-stabilityInside The Iberian Grid Collapse: What Really Went Wrong - CleanTechnica
On April 28, 2025, the Iberian Peninsula suffered a major blackout when the Spain and Portugal grids disconnected from the wider European system due to a cascading failure at 12:33 PM. Despite occurring during mild spring conditions with moderate demand and abundant renewable energy, the blackout was not caused by renewables themselves. Instead, it resulted from multiple failures: 50% due to human errors in planning, 30% from legacy generation units not performing as expected, and 20% from renewables disconnecting because they were not configured to handle the scenario—highlighting human and system design shortcomings rather than technological faults. Prior black-start procedures, relying heavily on hydroelectric plants with autonomous restart capabilities, were successfully executed to restore the grid, underscoring the continued importance of such resources even as battery storage and inverter-based technologies grow. The blackout was precipitated by persistent voltage fluctuations and frequency oscillations throughout the morning, revealing structural weaknesses like insufficient dynamic voltage regulation and poor oscillation damping.
energypower-gridrenewable-energyblackoutelectricity-systemgrid-stabilityhydroelectric-powerA Political Battle Is Brewing Over Data Centers
The article discusses the emerging political conflict surrounding a 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulation included in former President Donald Trump’s "Big Beautiful Bill." This moratorium has raised concerns about its potential impact on the siting and regulation of AI data centers. Representative Thomas Massie criticized the provision for potentially enabling corporations to build massive AI data centers near residential areas by limiting local governments' ability to regulate zoning and land use. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) also opposed the moratorium, emphasizing that local laws help communities manage data center impacts such as utility costs, water resource use, and grid stability. The debate highlights broader tensions between federal and state authority over AI regulation. Some lawmakers, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, expressed fears that the moratorium undermines federalism and could lead to forced eminent domain for data center development. Critics argue the moratorium is an overly broad restriction on state AI laws, while supporters, including White House AI adviser David Sacks, contend that a unified federal standard is necessary to avoid a confusing patchwork of state regulations that could hinder innovation. A senior official involved in the bill’s negotiation clarified that the moratorium was not intended to restrict local control over physical infrastructure like data centers, but rather to create a clear federal framework for AI model regulation. The controversy over the moratorium reflects growing local resistance to the rapid expansion of data centers across the U.S., which consume significant electricity and water resources. Data centers’ rising energy demands—expected to triple by 2035—have led to community pushback despite their economic benefits. The article underscores how the intersection of AI regulation and data center development is becoming a contentious issue, with local, state, and federal interests increasingly at odds.
energydata-centersAI-regulationstate-legislationutility-costsgrid-stabilitywater-resourcesDynamic Pricing Beats Time-of-Use Pricing — EV Charging Pilot - CleanTechnica
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-chargingdynamic-pricingclean-energygrid-stabilityrenewable-energyCalifornia Has Over 15,000 MW Of Energy Storage - CleanTechnica
energyenergy-storageclean-energyCaliforniagrid-stabilitybattery-systemsrenewable-energyAcePower Launches New 50 kW Air-Cooled High-Efficiency Module to Accelerate Europe’s Fast-Charging Network Expansion
energycharging-infrastructurehigh-efficiency-modulesilicon-carbide-technologyfast-chargingpower-conversiongrid-stabilityShell Subsidiary sonnen Heats Up Virtual Power Plant Race In Texas
energyvirtual-power-plantTexas-electricity-gridenergy-storagesolar-energygrid-stabilityrenewable-energyWhat Caused the European Power Outage?
energypower-outageelectricity-gridgrid-stabilityenergy-productioninfrastructureblackout