Articles tagged with "renewable-energy-integration"
Why Waiting on Grid Batteries Will Cost Ontario More Than Acting Now - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the urgent need for Ontario to adopt grid-scale battery storage now rather than delay, emphasizing that waiting will ultimately cost the province more. The author highlights that Ontario already has experience with grid storage through the Sir Adam Beck pumped hydro facility, which manages electricity time-shifting by storing excess energy and releasing it during peak demand. Unlike pumped hydro, batteries offer greater flexibility as they can be installed near transmission congestion points without geographic constraints. The key benefits of grid batteries are their ability to reduce electricity costs by increasing asset utilization—flattening peak demand and raising infrastructure use from 30-60% to 70-80%—and thereby lowering the amortized cost per kWh. Real-world evidence from Australia shows grid batteries saved about AUD 116 million in one year by cutting peak prices, providing frequency response, and avoiding costly network upgrades. The article also addresses safety and health concerns related to battery fires, noting that modern grid batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries with lower
energygrid-batteriesenergy-storagepumped-hydroelectricity-gridpeak-demand-managementrenewable-energy-integrationDeutschlands Wasserstoffstrategie verzögerte die Elektrifizierung, indem sie die Arbeitskräfte in die falsche Richtung lenkte - CleanTechnica
The article critiques Germany's hydrogen strategy, arguing that it has delayed the country's electrification efforts by misdirecting workforce development and training priorities. Germany's decision to establish a regulated hydrogen pipeline infrastructure—framed as a long-term, central national asset—sent strong signals to regulators, industry, and educational institutions. This led to significant investments in hydrogen-related vocational training, certifications, and organizational restructuring within transmission system operators (TSOs) and other stakeholders. For example, a major German gas TSO invested around €10 million in a hydrogen training center focused on pipeline operation, maintenance, and safety, reflecting a belief in hydrogen's central role in the energy transition. While hydrogen-related skills largely build on existing technical professions such as electricians and engineers, the article emphasizes that these training efforts come with opportunity costs. Limited training time and institutional focus mean that resources devoted to hydrogen competencies detract from investments in electrification technologies like wind turbines, solar panels, heat pumps, and batteries. The author argues that Germany's
energyhydrogen-strategyelectrificationrenewable-energy-integrationenergy-policyworkforce-developmentinfrastructure-planningChinese tech recovers the grid from failure in just 0.1 seconds
Chinese researchers have developed a groundbreaking technology that reduces power grid failure recovery time to just 0.1 seconds, a significant improvement over the hours-long recovery times seen in many other countries. This achievement is the result of over a decade of collaboration among academic institutions, power equipment manufacturers, the national power grid, and automation companies. The technology enables rapid isolation and restoration of grid faults within a hundred-millisecond window and can detect micro-current faults at very low levels, allowing the system to efficiently balance power from intermittent sources like solar and wind. China’s need for such advanced grid recovery technology stems from its status as the world’s largest power grid operator, generating twice the energy of the United States and supplying vast industrial demands. With electricity consumption projected to exceed 10 trillion kWh by 2025, China is rapidly expanding its energy mix, including nuclear, solar, wind, and hydropower sources. The new technology enhances grid resilience and responsiveness to fluctuations caused by these diverse energy inputs. Additionally, this
energypower-gridgrid-failure-recoveryrenewable-energy-integrationartificial-intelligenceelectrical-infrastructureChina-energy-technologyUS Army's first 100% electric train recharges in just 2.5 hours
The US Army unveiled its first 100% battery-powered locomotive at Fort Hood, marking a significant step in modernizing military transportation. The ATLAS electric locomotive was converted from an Army-owned diesel engine and uses lithium-ion battery technology. Designed to reduce maintenance and fuel costs while cutting carbon emissions, the train operates continuously for 12 hours and can fully recharge in about 2.5 hours. It also features regenerative braking to recover energy. The locomotive will be integrated into daily rail yard operations at Fort Hood, a key logistics hub, and is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by over 308 metric tons and save more than $50,000 in fuel costs. Beyond transportation, the electric locomotive serves as a mobile energy platform capable of supplying power to the Rail Operations Center and nearby facilities for up to 48 hours during emergencies, enhancing operational resilience. This project is part of a broader Army initiative in partnership with Dominion Energy and funded through a Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant. Fort Hood, the Army’s busiest
energyelectric-locomotivelithium-ion-batteryregenerative-brakingsustainabilitymilitary-logisticsrenewable-energy-integrationXCharge North America’s GridLink Wins “Battery Charging Technology Solution of the Year” in 2025 AutoTech Breakthrough Awards Program - CleanTechnica
XCharge North America (XCharge NA), a subsidiary of XCHG Limited, announced that its GridLink system won the “Battery Charging Technology Solution of the Year” award in the 2025 AutoTech Breakthrough Awards. GridLink is a battery-integrated DC fast charging solution designed to enhance EV charging infrastructure by acting as both a high-power charger and a distributed energy resource. It stores cleaner, cheaper power during off-peak hours and supplies it back to the grid during peak demand, helping utilities avoid overloads and outages. Its advanced features include a 10A active balancer, triple liquid-cooled plates for battery longevity, multi-sensor warnings, and UL 9540A-compliant fire protection, ensuring safety and reliability. GridLink addresses key challenges in EV adoption, particularly the high cost and grid instability of conventional fast chargers in rural and remote areas. It offers ultra-fast charging up to 300 kW even where the grid is unstable, supported by onboard battery storage and bid
energybattery-technologyelectric-vehicle-charginggrid-stabilityrenewable-energy-integrationenergy-storagesustainable-transportationHoneywell Announces New Energy Storage And Automation Platform - CleanTechnica
Honeywell has introduced the Ionic™ Modular All-in-One battery energy storage system (BESS), targeting commercial and industrial customers, independent power producers, and utilities. This compact, integrated system combines modular lithium-ion (LFP) battery storage with advanced fire safety, cybersecurity controls, energy management software, and remote connectivity. Key technical features include a three-layer battery management system (BMS) offering detailed performance insights, liquid cooling to extend battery life, and a 1500VDC stack to enhance power conversion efficiency. The system is scalable from 250 kWh to 5 MWh and designed for rapid installation and commissioning, potentially within a few days. The Ionic™ system aims to optimize energy costs, improve reliability, and support sustainability goals by enabling backup power during outages, facilitating renewable energy integration, and reducing carbon footprints. Honeywell emphasizes its cost competitiveness and unique differentiators in the market, with a standard warranty of three years extendable up to 15 years. The system includes an integrated analytics
energy-storagebattery-energy-storage-systemlithium-ion-batteryenergy-managementrenewable-energy-integrationindustrial-energy-solutionsHoneywell-energy-platformUtility-Scale Batteries Are More Commonly Used For Price Arbitrage - CleanTechnica
A recent survey of utility-scale battery operators reveals that price arbitrage has become the most common primary use for these systems. Price arbitrage involves purchasing electricity when prices are low and selling it when prices are high, allowing battery operators to capitalize on market price fluctuations. In 2023, 66% of all utility-scale battery capacity was used for arbitrage to some extent, with 41% primarily dedicated to this function. The second most common primary use was frequency regulation—maintaining the grid’s 60 Hz frequency—which accounted for 24% of battery capacity, a shift from previous years when frequency regulation was the dominant use. Most of the U.S. utility-scale battery capacity is concentrated in the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) markets. As of the end of 2024, CAISO reported 11.7 gigawatts (GW) of battery capacity, with 43% primarily used for arbitrage, while ERC
energyutility-scale-batteriesenergy-storageprice-arbitragefrequency-regulationgrid-managementrenewable-energy-integrationLiving cement stores energy and restores capacity when fed nutrients
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a novel cement material embedded with the bacterium Shewanella oneidensis, transforming traditional concrete into a living supercapacitor capable of storing and releasing electrical energy. This bio-enhanced cement not only supports structural loads but also creates a network of charge carriers through microbial activity, outperforming conventional cement-based energy storage devices. Remarkably, even after the bacteria die, the material’s energy storage capacity can be restored by supplying nutrients via an integrated microfluidic system, recovering up to 80% of its original performance. The team demonstrated the material’s robustness by testing it under extreme temperatures and successfully powering an LED bulb with six connected blocks. This innovation suggests a future where building materials serve dual roles as both structural elements and active components in energy systems, potentially enabling walls, foundations, and bridges to store renewable energy locally. Such living cement could reduce reliance on scarce battery materials like lithium and cobalt, offering a scalable, sustainable alternative for energy storage integrated directly into infrastructure.
energymaterialssustainable-energy-storagebio-cementmicrobial-energy-storagerenewable-energy-integrationsmart-building-materialsGame-changing US cooling system saves money, reduces grid demand
A new air-conditioning system called the Energy Storing and Efficient Air Conditioner (ESEAC), co-developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Blue Frontier Inc., promises to significantly reduce cooling costs and electricity demand on the grid. Tested in a Florida trial, the 20-ton ESEAC unit demonstrated the ability to cut peak air-conditioning power demand by over 90% and reduce cooling bills by approximately 45%. The system achieves these savings by integrating energy storage with cooling and humidity control, shifting the most energy-intensive parts of the cooling process to off-peak hours or times when renewable energy is abundant. ESEAC operates by decoupling dehumidification from cooling, using a liquid desiccant to absorb moisture from incoming air and then applying ultra-efficient indirect evaporative cooling. This approach contrasts with conventional vapor-compression air conditioners that cool and dehumidify simultaneously, often leading to inefficiencies. The system stores energy in the form of concentrated salt-based desiccant and
energyair-conditioningenergy-storagegrid-demand-reductioncooling-technologyrenewable-energy-integrationenergy-efficiencyEaton & ChargePoint Launch Breakthrough Ultrafast DC V2X Chargers and Power Infrastructure to Accelerate the Future of EV Charging - CleanTechnica
Eaton and ChargePoint have jointly launched an ultrafast DC vehicle-to-everything (V2X) charging architecture called ChargePoint Express Grid, powered by Eaton. This innovative solution delivers up to 600 kW for passenger EVs and megawatt-level charging for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, addressing grid constraints and enabling cost-effective scaling of EV charging infrastructure. The modular design reduces capital expenditures by 30%, occupies 30% less space, and lowers operational costs by up to 30% compared to existing solutions. By integrating onsite renewables, energy storage, and vehicle batteries with local energy markets, the system helps fleets reduce fueling costs and can assist utilities in balancing the electric grid when deployed at scale. The solution will debut at the RE+ trade show in September 2025, with availability for select customers in North America and Europe starting in early 2026 and deliveries in the second half of the year. Eaton will provide custom-engineered, site-ready power infrastructure options, including
energyelectric-vehicle-chargingV2X-technologypower-infrastructurerenewable-energy-integrationenergy-storagegrid-managementChery Launches The 34.4 kWh Tiggo 9 In South Africa’s Growing PHEV Market - CleanTechnica
Chery has launched the Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid PHEV in South Africa, featuring a notably large 34.4 kWh battery pack in its Vanguard variant, offering an electric-only range of 160 km and a combined range of 1,400 km with its 1.5L turbo engine. The Pinnacle variant has an 18.3 kWh battery and a 90 km electric range. Priced from R839,900 (Pinnacle) to R989,900 (Vanguard), these models exemplify Chery’s strategy to lead the growing South African plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) market by providing longer electric ranges at competitive prices. This approach contrasts with legacy automakers in South Africa, which have been slower to introduce plug-in hybrids, often offering models with electric ranges below 40 km. The South African vehicle market in the first half of 2025 saw overall sales increase by 14% year-over-year, with 278
energyplug-in-hybridbattery-technologyelectric-vehicleSouth-Africa-marketChery-Tiggo-9renewable-energy-integrationWärtsilä 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-gridUsing retired EV batteries cuts more carbon emissions than recycling
A collaborative study by researchers from the University of Münster, Fraunhofer Research Institution, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory analyzed end-of-life strategies for electric vehicle (EV) batteries in California through 2050. They compared three scenarios: immediate recycling, minimal reuse, and prioritizing second-life use in stationary energy storage before recycling. The findings show that repurposing retired EV batteries as grid-connected storage—especially in regions with high renewable energy penetration—can reduce carbon emissions more significantly than recycling alone. Specifically, second-life use could cut an additional 8 million tons of CO₂ emissions beyond the 48 million tons avoided by direct recycling, totaling 56 million tons of avoided emissions by substituting new battery manufacturing with refurbished packs. However, the study also highlights an impending oversupply of retired EV batteries that will exceed California’s stationary storage demand by mid-century, even when using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries favored for such applications. This surplus underscores the urgent need for early investment in large-scale recycling
energyelectric-vehicle-batteriesbattery-recyclingcarbon-emissions-reductionstationary-energy-storagerenewable-energy-integrationbattery-reuseElectric Bus Progress in Australia & New Zealand - CleanTechnica
The article highlights significant progress in the adoption of electric buses across Australia and New Zealand, emphasizing various regional initiatives and milestones. In Brisbane, Queensland, the electric Metro system has surpassed one million passengers, signaling strong public acceptance of fast, frequent, and affordable mass transit options as part of preparations for the 2032 Olympics. The Brisbane Metro currently operates inner-city services every five minutes, with recent expansions resulting in a substantial increase in ridership and an expected annual addition of 30 million seats. Local officials underscore the importance of these projects in addressing congestion and supporting rapid population growth. In other regions, experienced bus drivers like Mr. Crossingham in New South Wales have embraced electric buses, noting their quiet, smooth operation and positive reception from schoolchildren. The Australian Capital Territory has opened a new depot capable of charging 96 zero-emission buses simultaneously, with plans to integrate solar power and add 30 new electric buses soon. Western Australia is advancing its commitment to phase out diesel buses through a AU$12
energyelectric-busespublic-transportzero-emission-vehiclesbattery-charging-infrastructuresustainable-transportationrenewable-energy-integration